A police chief has called for more consistency when dealing with unauthorised traveller encampments.
With the summer holiday now under way, a number of groups have moved on to open spaces across Brighton and Hove.
In one case – Wild Park, Brighton – Sussex Police approved the use of a section 61 order to evict the group.
But in others – such as when the group moved on to Stanmer Park – officers did not use the same powers.
Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am very aware of the issues surrounding unauthorised encampments as they affect most of Sussex at some point during the year and form a significant part of the correspondence to my office.
“One of many concerns raised by the public regarding unauthorised encampments is the time it takes to evict.
“I am doing everything within my power to ensure these issues are dealt with appropriately and that Sussex Police maintains a consistent approach.
“It is also vital that local people are kept fully informed at every stage and I know that the police are working closely with councillors and other agencies to resolve matters as and when they occur.”
It comes as an unauthorised encampment moved on to Waterhall playing fields, in Mill Road, Patcham, yesterday.
Brighton and Hove City Council said it had visited the site and was monitoring the situation.
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