A council are introducing new vehicle deterrents in city centre car parks.

Chichester District Council is set to spend £66,000 on the Northgate and Cattle Market car parks, which are owned and managed by the council.

The aim is to install measures that will stop unauthorised encampments.

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These measures will include making three access restriction points at Northgate car park to cover the entry and exit points.

Another one will be installed at Cattle Market car park to cover the single entry and exit point.

Councillor Harsha Desai, cabinet member for growth and place at Chichester District Council, said: "As a council we have been very proactive in wanting to help all members of our community.

"Ten years ago, we supported the Gypsy and Traveller community by working with our partners to create the transit site at Westhampnett.

" We have also worked to support suitable homes for the Gypsy and Traveller communities through planning policies which are in place.

"We understand residents' and businesses concerns regarding several recent unauthorised encampments.

"Both the frequency and size of visits has increased over the past few years and so we do need to look at what measures can be put in place to reduce the impact on other car park users and nearby residents.

"Whereas it is much easier to introduce deterrents on green spaces, we will have to consider very carefully about what is appropriate so that authorised users of the car parks can still gain access easily and so that congestion does not build up on surrounding roads.

"In addition, we also need to ensure that the organisers of the annual Sloe Fair can still gain access for their event in the autumn.

"People may not be aware but as a council we have a duty to provide the land as part of a charter which is in place.

"As with previous sites where deterrents have been introduced, we'll be working closely with our partners and local community to find a way forward."