Police use Section 61 powers to move on travellers in Ringwood

Officers from the New Forest have used Section 61 powers to move on a group of travellers who set up at the Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre, Parsonage Barn Lane.

The group arrived on Sunday 28 June in the car-park at the Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre, Pasonage Barn Lane.

We have worked with Ringwood School and the New Forest District Council as the encampment restricted access to Ringwood School, resulting in the school making the decision to close for safeguarding reasons today (Monday 29 June).

Under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, powers can be considered by police in the following circumstances:

• Significant nuisance or criminal behaviour
• Unacceptable levels of damage to land or property to gain entry or remain
• Danger to travellers from the chosen site, such as environmental health factors

Inspector Mike Minnock said: “In 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.”