One of the travellers on Southsea Common 'may have Covid-19' says council leader

About a dozen caravans appeared on Southsea Common on Sunday – although it is unclear where they came from.

It comes as Portsmouth residents have flocked to the seafront over the hot and sunny bank holiday weekend.

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said the council will be taking action to move the travellers on.

But with a rumoured case of coronavirus in their ranks, the task will be slightly more difficult than previous incidents.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson said: ‘There is a suggestion that one person there has tested positive for Covid-19.

‘We have to check that and ensure that the correct procedures are put in place.

‘My understanding is that they got onto the common by lifting some of the boulders – we’re taking legal action to move them on.’

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