A TRAVELLERS' invasion of a plot of land near upmarket homes in Fair Oak has sparked a flood of protest from local residents.

Six caravans were yesterday occupying a strip of land between Blackberry Drive and Fair Oak Road on a site destined to house a £500,000 youth club and multi-use hall.

Back in February campaigning residents failed to stop Eastleigh Council giving itself the planning green light for the controversial scheme.

A huge contingent of householders from the Brookfield estate made the trip to Eastleigh Civic Offices in a bid to convince councillors that the scheme for the youth centre was the wrong design in the wrong place.

But they left disgruntled after a marathon debate which ended with a heavy vote in favour of providing what was described as much-needed youth facilities for the area.

However, no start has yet been made on the youth facility and Eastleigh Council has confirmed that the land is still in the ownership of Fareham-based Persimmon Homes.

A council spokesman also confirmed that a number of local residents had contacted the council following the arrival of the travellers' caravans.

This latest invasion at Fair Oak comes just days after travellers finally quit a huge encampment they had set up on the Hampshire County Council-owned Monks Brook playing field at Eastleigh.

Besides sparking numerous complaints during the six weeks they were at Stoneham, the travellers also left behind an eyesore that is costing council taxpayers thousands of pounds to clear.

Today, a Fair Oak resident who asked not to be named, said: "We fear that the number of caravans may grow. We want them to move on fast and for there to be no aggravation."

A spokeswoman for Fair Oak Parish Council said police had been inundated with calls following the arrival of the travellers.

Persimmon Homes were remaining tightlipped over the situation.

A spokeswoman said: "It is in the hands of our solicitors - that is all we can tell you."