TRAVELLERS camped at a Christchurch sports centre since the beginning of August claim they will be gone before next week's deadline for complying with a court order.

As many as 30 caravans had been parked in the 2Riversmeet arena behind the sports centre but several have already left - including the teenage girl whose alleged pregnancy swayed a court to allow the travellers to stay.

Frustrated councils officials were unable to locate the girl, sparking claims she had gone or never existed.

And other families told the Daily Echo they would be leaving at the weekend to beat the September 1 deadline.

But police and council officials are adopting tough tactics to ensure the unwelcome visitors not only quit the 2 Riversmeet arena in Stony Lane South next Wednesday but leave the borough as well.

Direction notices have been served on all caravans currently on the site including the remainder of the original band of 11 vans subject to the earlier court order.

Police are also examining legal options over action they can take if the travellers fail to move on and a council review of car park and open space security is under way to prevent the convoy merely decamping to another site in the borough.

The council is also urging residents and landowners to be vigilant and report anyone seen tampering with gates or defences or similar suspicious behaviour to the police or civic offices.

Council Leader, Cllr Alan Griffiths, said: "We are trying very hard to deal with the issues and complaints from local people and traders who are reporting threats and intimidation by these people.

"Our law-abiding residents should not have to put up with this in the communities within which they live and contribute towards in taxes."

Insp Andy Earley, of Christchurch Police, said: "We will support the council all that we can and try to ensure that any travellers not complying with the current order or with any new orders, are dealt with promptly but we can only work within the law."

First published: August 26