Travellers pitched on Hove Park for the first time in more than ten years have told The Argus they need “somewhere to go for Christmas.”

A group of about 20 caravans drove on to the “jewel in the crown” of the city and set up their festive decorations, including lights and trees.

They arrived at about 7pm on Tuesday night but were served with orders to leave yesterday.

Mary Maun, 27, a travelling mother-of-three staying in the park, told The Argus: “We would like somewhere for Christmas.

“We are used to the weather. We need a proper, permanent site.”

Another mother at the camp, who did not want to be named, said: “We don’t want to be a nuisance.

“We would like to stay for Christmas but we’re being moved on.”

Sussex Police and staff from Brighton and Hove City Council carried out a site assessment yesterday morning after the caravans arrived.

The council carried out its statutory checks and a community impact assessment.

A council spokesman said they visited the site with the police and were looking to find a resolution “as soon as possible” and a Section 61 order was issued.

The council was unable to confirm if this is the first traveller incursion on to Hove Park, though Conservative councillor Jayne Bennett, who has served in the city for three terms, said she last remembered travellers arriving soon into her tenure about 12 years ago.

Coun Bennett said: “We are absolutely appalled. Children use this park.

“This park is a jewel in the crown for us and normally it is thronging with people but today there were only a handful.”

Mike Holland, who owns British Engineerium, next to the park, said: “I’m concerned that as a city we’re allowing this. The sooner the law is changed the better.”

The Section 61 order required the travellers to leave the site by this morning.

The group has now left Hove Park.

A council spokesman said: “We acted quickly and understand they have left the city.”