THE Devil’s Lane gypsy site, which a travelling family had to vacate under a council enforcement notice, has still not been cleared up more than eight months later.

According to nearby residents, the Connors family, who lost their appeal against EHDC’s enforcement action launched in March 2015, evacuated the site before Christmas last year, leaving behind mountains of litter as well as abandoning four ponies, which have been roaming freely around the area.

East Hampshire District Council, which had issued an enforcement notice stating hard-standing at the site had to be removed by the end of August, said in statement this week: “The owners are required by law to comply with this notice, but it is now evident this has not been done. The council is now investigating the appropriate action to take.

“EHDC’s animal welfare team has been working with the RSPCA and Hampshire Constabulary to monitor ponies that have been left on site.

“One of the animals was taken by the RSPCA due to health reasons and another was taken by its owner. The remaining ponies are in good health.

“The animal welfare team will continue to monitor the ponies over the winter but is not able to take action unless their health is at risk, or the safety of the public is compromised.”

The Herald understands the Connors family, who lost their appeal in August 2016, claimed the horses did not belong to them.