VILLAGERS have paid out around £250,000 to stop a travellers’ site being set up near their homes.

Nearly 30 householders clubbed together to buy a Hampshire field where two caravans were installed without permission shortly before Christmas.

The owner had applied for planning permission, prompting 570 objections, but that has now been withdrawn after the sale.

The 13 acres of agricultural land off Gascoigne Lane, Ropley, were reportedly sold for £150,000 in December.

Residents feared East Hampshire District Council would not be able to turn down planning permission because it did not provide enough alternative sites for travellers.

George Brown, chairman of Ropley Parish Council, said: “We are very relieved that the situation has gone away because it did undoubtedly cause us lots of problems. It was unauthorised but it was clear the district council was going to struggle to enforce the rules and regulations because of other national guidelines.”