A ROW over travellers camping on a Hampshire park has taken a new twist - with the parish council threatening to sue police.

North Baddesley leaders held a secret meeting last night to discuss legal action after becoming increasingly frustrated.

About 18 caravans pulled onto the recreation ground in Nutburn Road on Monday evening, and council bosses say they are destroying sports pitches and play areas.

Parish council chairman Alan Dowden has repeatedly asked police to use "discretionary powers'' to evict the travellers, who arrived from Chandler's Ford.

Romsey inspector Peter Funnell has told residents: "Be mindful of the limited powers the police have under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.''

Now Cllr Dowden has pledged to take his dispute to court, as a "test case on behalf of the public of Hampshire''.

"It appears that council tax payers don't have any rights at all when it comes to their land, and it has to stop,'' the Lib Dem parish and county councillor told the Daily Echo.

"We have to make a legal challenge and if we can find somebody who can get legal aid we are prepared to go as far as we can.''

He's now looking for a resident who can qualify for legal aid, to take on the battle against Hampshire Constabulary.

Meanwhile, an application for a court order to evict the travellers has been lodged - but it could take weeks to arrive.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said they were not prepared to comment until a formal writ had been issued.

A police statement said: "Any response by the police has to be proportionate to the circumstances.''