TRAVELLERS have until this morning to move or they will be made to.

Brighton and hove City Council told travellers they were allowed to use the car park at Waterhall on the edge of the city after being moved from a popular site last week.

However, between 50 and 60 caravans have now parked on football and rugby pitches at the conservation downland site instead.

The council has vowed to take enforcement action against any travellers who are still camped in the area this morning.

The Argus:

A council spokeswoman said yesterday: “On Tuesday afternoon, we were advised that about 50 to 60 caravans were on the Waterhall playing fields.

“We arranged security throughout the night and agreed a joint visit with the police this morning.

“The police served notices today and they will take enforcement action against any travellers that don’t leave the site by the end of the day.

“Once they have left the site City Parks will secure the land and Cityclean will clear the area tomorrow.

The Argus:

Councillor Dawn Barnett said the situation is “not acceptable”.

The Hangleton and Knoll representative said: “The travellers should not have come down here.

“Everyone is supposed to be social distancing and they are travelling here, there and everywhere. It is not acceptable and I feel sorry for the people who now can’t use the park. The council has just fined a man £400 for leaving rubbish, I hope they will be fined if they leave rubbish.

“There should be one rule for everybody.”

Travellers were told to move to the area’s car park as a multimillion-pound dedicated site is now full.

The Argus:

Travellers usually have access to the Horsdean transit site in St Michael’s Way, which has 21 pitches.

But access has been restricted due to public health concerns around social distancing.

The council said there are now only three pitches occupied, with no further groups being allowed entry.

Some of the caravans had been camping at Patcham Place with no access to utilities, which are available at the Waterhall site.

>> READ MORE: Travellers moved from Patcham Place

Police moved travellers who arrived at Southwick Green on Monday using a Section 61 order. This can be used if the groups were not given permission to be on the land and have caused damage or been threatening or abusive, or have six or more vehicles on the land.

Green councillor for Withdean, Steve Davis, said: "The Covid-19 crisis has played a huge part in this situation. Government guidance meant that the Horsdean traveller site could not take this group. We would not be in this situation without this, but the health of the travellers already on the site had to be taken into consideration. 

"The traveller site has reduced the number of illegal encampments citywide and the health of all our communities is paramount - but we also need a resolution from Government. That is why the council is writing to Government for updated guidance. Key to sites opening up again is whether the health and well-being of its current residents can be assured."