Police Evict Unauthorised Encampment from Fleming Park

Police have successfully evicted an unauthorised encampment from Fleming Park, located on the site of Places Leisure in Passfield Avenue, following a review of the circumstances and concerns raised by the local community.

The encampment, which was established earlier this week, prompted a swift response from Eastleigh’s Neighbourhood Policing Team. Officers engaged with partner agencies, the local authority, and members of the public to determine an appropriate course of action.

Following an assessment, Hampshire Constabulary exercised powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which allows police to direct individuals to leave land and remove any vehicles or property, provided specific conditions are met — such as significant disruption to the local community or environment.

The eviction took place on Thursday, 21 August, and the group has now vacated the site.

Inspector Andy Mooge, of Eastleigh Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“We will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.

We work closely with landowners, our partners and our communities to ensure a robust approach is taken against unauthorised encampments within legal parameters. Our partnership work also seeks to identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder, in order to target harden these sites.”

The police action comes amid ongoing efforts to manage unauthorised encampments in the borough and minimise disruption to local amenities and residents.

Eastleigh Borough Council is expected to continue working with local agencies to explore longer-term solutions and deterrents, particularly at locations which have seen repeated incidents.