Abusive travellers moved on by Brighton police

Travellers at Hollingdean were moved on by police this week after abuse was hurled at residents.

Brighton police revealed they had been called in to move the encampments when responding to new Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby’s request for a meeting to discuss problems with travellers.

Brighton and Hove Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett said the force was also working with Brighton and Hove City Council to reopen the Horsdean traveller site.

This was closed in December 2009 following vandalism – but it is hoped it will now reopen in the coming weeks.

He said: “We are determined to respond positively to reports of crimes being committed and received positive feedback this week from the community after a prompt response to reports of damage being caused at Black Rock.

“As with anything we do, we have to ensure that are actions are lawful, proportionate and justifiable. This week residents in Hollingdean were subjected to an unacceptable level of abuse and disruption from an encampment, which necessitated the use of police powers – this group has now left the land.”

“The city’s policing team are working closely with council colleagues, other landowners and members of all communities to resolve issues of unauthorised encampments. We have been working closely to ensure that, where landowners are in difficulties having discharged their responsibilities that we support them.

“The law is clear as to when police can use their powers and we do so proportionately in instances of severe disruption. We are also working with the council to bring about the speedy re-opening of the designated transit site in the city.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We are working flat out to make the Horsdean site safe and secure to open.  We hope to have it ready to reopen in early summer 2010.”

Ch Supt Bartlett added: “Senior police officers, senior council officers and the council leadership meet regularly to discuss the issue of unauthorised encampments to ensure that we are supporting one another and that our combined response is appropriate.”