Burning rubbish near B3349 roundabout at Heckfield prompts police action - Hampshire

From This Is Hampshire

POLICE have moved on a group of Travellers who set up camp at Heckfield.

Officers from Hart and Rushmoor used powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, allowing them to act against significant nuisance or criminal behaviour, unacceptable levels of damage or to prevent danger to Travellers from environmental factors.

The group arrived on Wednesday, June 26 near to the Heckfield roundabout on the B3349.

The operation took place yesterday morning following consultation with Hampshire County Council’s Highways team due to damage being caused at the site from littering and the burning of rubbish.

Chief Inspector Annabel Berry authorised the notice and the group were directed to leave the site which they did by 5pm.

Ch Insp Berry said: “Using these powers, Hampshire Constabulary will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.

“I hope this swift action to move the Travellers on from locations that were unsuitable will convey to all sections of the community that a robust approach will be taken against encampments, within legal parameters.

“We will continue to work closely with partner agencies and private landowners to manage unauthorised encampments and identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder in order to target-harden these sites.”