A MASSIVE clear-up operation is to swing into action at a playing field which travellers occupied for more than six weeks.

The controversial group of about 30 caravans, which sparked a flood of complaints, finally quit Monks Brook playing field off Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, yesterday.

By 7am just ten caravans remained on the site and by 10am all the travellers had departed - leaving a horrendous mess likely to cost council taxpayers thousands of pounds to clear up.

Clearance of the site following a similar invasion last year cost £4,200 and the county council also shelled out £1,800 for the installation of "defensive measures."

A spokesman said: "It is estimated that the cost of the site clearance this year will be comparable to last year. Additional defensive measures are to be taken which will increase the overall cost."

This time, more than half a dozen cars - many burned out - were left behind, along with piles of asphalt, hardcore and refuse.

Gas cylinders were also left strewn around the playing fields along with discarded bikes, pushchairs and general rubbish. Beer cans littered the turf and part of the site was said to be covered with human excrement.

Earlier this week a judge at Southampton County Court ordered that the travellers should quit the site by yesterday.

Despite initial defiance, the travellers appear to have left of their own accord. Two-thirds are believed to have vacated the site on Thursday evening.

Caravans from Stoneham were understood to have gone to a private field in Stubbington and to Alver Valley in Gosport.

Fareham farmer Basil Baird launched a scathing attack on travellers camped in his field.

Mr Baird installed gates, padlocks and chains at his land at Peak Lane, Stubbington, after being invaded last year.

But he was told yesterday his security measures had been broken through again.

Mr Baird said the latest incursion had forced him to reconsider what to do with the land.

"I am considering turning the land back into farming rather than to keep it available for car boots and other events.

"It is just costing me far too much money to keep having to evict travellers," he said.

"These people are just above the law.

"The police are powerless and the councils tell me it is my responsibility to get them off."