TRAVELLERS in Southampton thought they had seen a way round a council eviction notice - by simply moving across the road.

But the council says it makes no difference and warns it will take action soon.

Angry residents have complained that the travellers have left their initial site on Highfield Avenue in a mess and are outraged they have just shifted just 50 yards away over the road.

About ten caravans, complete with horses, are now scattered on either side of Highfield Avenue.

The former site is strewn with discarded mattresses, blankets, black bin bags and rubbish.

Hazel Hoy, of Bonchurch Close, Bassett Green, said: "I was shocked by the mess they have caused and don't see how any decent person can behave in such a way. As a householder we are now told we have to recycle our rubbish. Why can't the council clamp their vehicles until they pay the bill to clean up, or clap them in prison?"

The council moved to reassure residents the mess would be cleaned up as soon as the travellers were gone.

A spokesman said: "We are working closely with the police and other agencies to deal with the travellers irrespective of where they park in that area. We are following legal procedures to have them vacate the site as early as possible. Clean-up will commence as soon as the area is vacant."