TRAVELLERS have left Romsey Rapids three days after forcing entry to the cricket pitch.

Test Valley Councillor Nick Adams-King confirmed their departure, shortly after 6pm on Thursday, July 20, on Facebook. The post read: “Romsey Rapids site traveller incursion – update.

“As of just now, Romsey Sports Centre is clear of vehicles... site is resecured and clear up is underway.

“Huge thanks to the Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) teams who dealt with the encampment so quickly and most of all to the teams clearing the site.”

READ MORE: Travellers pitch up by Romsey Rapids with 13 caravans and vehicles

The unauthorised encampment, with 13 caravans and associated vehicles, pitched up at the sports complex in Southampton Road overnight on Monday, July 17.

Their departure follows a court session for their eviction on Wednesday, July 19 afternoon and Bailiffs being instructed by the council to issue a notice for them to leave on Tuesday.

The police and the council worked closely together throughout the three days to monitor the incursion and find a solution.

A TVBC spokesperson said: “The council can confirm that the travellers, who had made forced entry to the Romsey Sports Centre and Rapids site, have now been evicted and have vacated the space.

"Following the refusal of the travellers to leave on Tuesday (18 July), we applied to the court for an eviction notice. Our teams are now resecuring and clearing up the site before reopening.”