TEN years ago, a group of Hampshire residents feared a multi-million-pound football stadium would spring up in their backyard.

Despite popular backing from supporters towards Saints' plans to build a 30,000-seater arena at Stoneham Lane near Eastleigh, Swaything householders bitterly opposed the plan, paving the way instead for Southampton Football Club to build a magnificent £32m stadium at St Mary's.

Now those same residents have a fresh battle on their hands - this time from travellers, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Secret plans are being discussed for the Stoneham Sports Ground to become a permanent transit camp for travellers. It is on a shortlist of possible sites.

Only last summer, travellers left a trail of destruction after illegally camping at the nearby Monks Brook playing fields close to junction 4 of the M27.

Full story and reaction - see today's Spotlight feature which appears in the More News section of 'This is Southampton'.