Police yesterday agreed to implement criminal powers to remove travellers who had parked just yards from a cemetery.

In an unusual move Sussex Police said they would use powers granted under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to order the travellers to leave the site by 10am today.

The travellers are near the Lawn Cemetery in Woodingdean.

A joint statement issued by Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police said: “Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council are aware that travellers are currently residing on an area of land just outside the Lawn Cemetery in Woodingdean.

“After careful consideration, due to the sensitive location near the cemetery of the encampment, police will be using their powers under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act in order for the travellers to leave the site by 10am tomorrow morning.”

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby said: “I am pleased that the council and police have moved quickly in this instance.

"This was clearly an inappropriate site for an encampment and I am pleased this has been recognised by the relevant authorities.

“I know this will be welcomed by concerned residents who have been contacting me throughout the day.

“It is important that local councils remain vigilant at other sites such as Happy Valley, Saltdean Oval, East Brighton Park as well as Telscombe Tye.” 

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said section 61 powers should be used in appropriate circumstances, including “when there was a danger to life”, “there is a local disruption to the economy” and “local communities are deprived of amenities”.

ACPO added: “The mere presence of an encampment without any aggravating factors should not normally create an expectation that police will use eviction powers.”