TRAVELLERS who set up camp on a school playing field in Westbrook have been moved on by police.

Around five caravans parked up on St Philip Westbrook CE Primary School at 5.40pm yesterday, Tuesday.

The police arrived on the scene shortly after receiving the report and a section 61 notice was served on the group at 8.50pm.

It is understood the group started to leave the site at 9.20pm.

Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 gives police the legal power to act.

Police have confirmed the order was used on this occasion as it was feared the school would not be able to open today, Wednesday, if the group had not been moved on. 

It is understood the group has since moved on to the fields behind Woolston Neighbourhood Hub.

The council has confirmed welfare checks will be carried out later today, Wednesday.

A group of travellers who were parked at Birchwood Golf Club on Kelvin Close left the site this morning after arriving yesterday, Tuesday.

A third group left Appleton House on Birchwood Boulevard on Tuesday while a fourth group remains on Olympic Park in Birchwood.