Traveller camps served eviction notice at Goring Gap

An unauthorised traveller camp in Worthing has been issued with notices to vacate by West Sussex County Council, with legal proceedings expected to follow.

The council confirmed that as of Friday, 22 August, six caravans were stationed at Goring Greensward in Worthing. Notice was served instructing occupants to leave the site, and the authority stated that court action would proceed if necessary.

The move follows laws introduced in June 2022, which made it an offence for anyone over 18 to reside on land without consent while having at least one vehicle present. These powers allow police to make arrests and seize vehicles and equipment where offences are identified. Sussex Police has previously been among the first forces to use these measures.

Adur & Worthing Councils said visits from travelling communities most often occur during summer and are usually short-term. Local councils provide facilities such as bins and, where suitable, toilets, and also ensure sites are cleaned after encampments move on. West Sussex County Council said it may tolerate camps if they are tidy and not disruptive but would seek eviction if sites caused nuisance or disorder. Police continue to respond to any reports of anti-social behaviour or crime linked to the encampments.