Travellers set up camp in Hassocks

Travellers at Belmont Close recreation ground, Hassocks

They moved onto the site on Saturday. A cricket match had to be cancelled and the Jack and Jill Playgroup has been unable to hold its sessions in the pavilion.

Rosy Champkins, who runs the playgroup said: “It’s heart breaking. We are a charity and we can’t afford for this to happen. Parents have had to find alternative childcare. We have had to offer parents re-funds and switch our leavers’ party to another venue.”

A green barrier was installed at the recreation ground less than 12 months ago after travellers moved onto the site last August.

The playgroup, which originally met in St Francis church hall, moved to the pavilion, its new, permanent home, after the travellers were evicted last year.

The move happened quickly and under pressure because travellers’ remained on the site for two weeks and were not evicted until close to the beginning of the Autumn term.

The green barrier that was installed to deter illegal entry onto the site, remains intact but wooden fencing on one side of the barrier has been damaged.

Rosy said: “Instead of wooden fencing, we need concrete posts to stop this happening again.”

A spokesman for Mid Sussex District Council said: “The council is aware of an illegal encampment at Hassocks and is dealing with it pro-actively.

“We are liaising with the police, ward councillors and neighbouring district councils and will be issuing a notice today seeking their eviction.”

The Middy understands it could take up to five days for the eviction to happen.

A resident living nearby told the Middy: “Last night, Quad Bikes were being driven around late into the night and I’ve had to shut my windows in this heat to try to get some sleep. My partner saw someone pooing in the street. It’s a nightmare”

West Sussex county councillor for Hassocks, Andy Petch, said: “I think it’s terrible for nearby residents who just want to enjoy the warm weather and cannot use the recreation ground.”

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