Travellers defy orders to ‘commandeer’ sites

TRAVELLERS left residents and councillors frustrated after defying orders to move on from two separate green spaces.

Caravans arrived at Goring Greensward and Victoria Park, in Norfolk Street, Worthing, on Wednesday.

Worthing Borough Council issued an eviction notice, requiring them to leave by Thursday, but they were still on the sites at the time the Herald went to press.

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Goring councillor Mark Nolan described the situation ‘ridiculous’.

He said: “Goring Greensward is incredibly popular and it is ridiculous that travellers can commandeer part of the site and we appear to have very few powers to do anything about it.

“We are looking at longer term solutions to protect the site but in the meantime I can assure residents that we are equally frustrated.”

The council is required by law to carry out a welfare assessment on traveller groups, which was done for both sites.

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Aside from one pregnant woman at Victoria Park, the decision was taken not to tolerate the encampments.

But the notice to leave the land was ignored, resulting in the council having to pursue legal action through the courts – a costly and time-consuming process.

For the full story, see the Herald, out Thursday, August 7.