TRAVELLERS who set up home on land just a stone's throw from Southampton's only five-star hotel were due to be evicted today.

The travellers, in about 30 caravans, arrived on land near the prestigious De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel about two weeks ago.

Southampton City Council is today asking a judge to grant a possession order.

Once granted at Southampton County Court, the council can send in the bailiffs to evict the travellers and claim back the land.

Legal bills, administration fees and the cost of removing all the rubbish - including piles of rubble and a burnt-out caravan - could run into thousands of pounds.

The land, near the old Pirelli cables site, forms part of the West Quay phase three project to build a multi-million-pound new ice rink and exhibition centre.

De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel general manager Steve Dunford said: "It looks a real eyesore. We have made our views known to the police and the council but thankfully the travellers have not caused us any trouble to date."

A Southampton resident, who did not want to be named, said: "The City Council hasn't got enough money for services and these people are costing thousands of pounds.

"There's raw sewage all over the site in plastic bags - it's absolutely disgusting. It's right by WestQuay, so when people come into Southampton to do their Christmas shopping it looks terrible."