Dozens of travellers set up camp in Hove Park

Dozens of travellers moved into Hove park last night (Tuesday 16 December).

Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council visited the site this morning to assess the situation and the needs of those living in the camp.

Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the weekly run in the park on Saturday morning.

And one resident said that an exercise group usually works out where the unauthorised camp had pitched up but that he hadn’t seen them this morning.

Councillor Jayne Bennett said: “The council has been up with the police this morning.

“We have the fun run in the park every Saturday morning. That usually attracts or so 300 people.

“It’s probably the most well-used park in Brighton and Hove.”

The council said: “We’ve been to the site with police and are looking to resolve the situation as soon as possible. There were about 20 vehicles when we visited.”

The council website said: “We are aware that travellers have arrived in Hove Park overnight.

“Council officers will be visiting the site with the police this morning to carry out the statutory checks and to carry out a community impact assessment.

“This will enable the police and the council to assess next steps.”

The website also gives an update on the situation at Black Rock. It said: “Council officers have made a joint visit to this site with the police and the statutory checks have been carried out.

“Parking enforcement officers have also attended. The owners of the vehicles have been served with notices directing them to move.

“As they have not complied with that request, the council has applied to the magistrates’ court for a court order which will enable the council to have the vehicles removed should the occupants fail to leave the site voluntarily.”

A third unauthorised camp on land next to the Racehill Allotments, in Wilson Avenue, Brighton, was also mentioned.

The council website said: “Council officers have visited this site with the police and the statutory checks have been carried out.

“The van dwellers have been told that they are trespassing on council-owned land and have been asked to leave.

“The council has obtained a possession order from the county court which will enable the council to arrange for an eviction to be carried out should the occupants fail to leave the site voluntarily.”