Travellers set to stay in Bognor for a week

A convoy of 24 caravans, containing dozens of adults and children, are parked in the adjoining coach and lorry and car parks in London Road.

The size of the gathering is among the biggest which have regularly targeted the Arun District Council-owned site in recent years.

Legal action has been started by the council to remove the latest camp but it is likely be next week before all the court action is completed.

The travellers arrived on the site, next to Edward Bryant Primary School, from 4.30pm on Sunday, July 13.

London Road resident Robin Greenman said: "Monday morning was chaos as this is a busy time with parents trying to drop off their children among the caravans, 4x4s and Transits.

"As I tried to cut through to walk my dog in Hotham Park, my route was obstructed by a home on the adjacent footpath.

"I had little choice but to walk through the maze of vehicles."

Arun's service director, Colin Rogers, said the council was committed to removing the travellers as soon as possible.

"Once they have gone, we could put height barriers in place. I think it is likely councillors will want that, but then we will have to look at any alternatives available for coach and lorry parking."

He said Arun had put a skip on the site for the travellers' rubbish to lessen the tidying up to be done after they leave. The toilets on the site are also being left open 24 hours a day.

District and town councillor Paul Wells urged the police to take action to get rid of the travellers outside their back door.

"Sussex Police expects and requires the co-operation of the people of Bognor in fighting crime but when we require their assistance they are clearly turning their back on us," he said.

Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett, Arun District Commander, said in a statement: "Sussex Police are working in liaison with Arun District Council."

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP