IT IS unfortunate that, rather than seek a solution to the challenge of accommodating the traveller community – one that has been present for many years - Councillor Mary Mears chooses to turn it into a political football match instead (The Argus, June 18).

After four years overseeing an administration which managed to achieve nothing on this front, the former council leader’s ability to advise on “getting to grips with the problem” is highly questionable.

Furthermore, Coun Mears simply ignores the fact there is no evidence for the scaremongering claim that Traveller numbers in the city are any higher than this time last year.

And I wonder if she is aware the motion on gypsy and traveller evictions signed by Caroline Lucas MP actually gained cross party support, including from her Conservative colleague Peter Bottomley, the MP for Worthing West?

The way to resolve the issue is not through political point scoring, but through cross-party efforts to create long-term solutions. Decades of ignoring the problem and playing “cat and mouse” around the city hasn’t worked.

After barely a month into the Green administration, the council is already redoubling efforts to find a more permanent site in the city, considering sensible locations where travelling communities might be allowed to stay for short periods of time. We’re also exploring Good Neighbour Compacts – developed in partnership with traveller representative groups and Sussex Police – to address anti-social behaviour and encourage greater community cohesion.

Councillor Pete West, Green cabinet member for environment and sustainability, Brighton and Hove City Council

I WOULD urge the residents of Brighton and Hove to sign an online petition regarding the current traveller situation.

There are often letters in The Argus about travellers setting up camp and it taking weeks before they can be moved on, while it goes through the courts.

This petition is looking to change that so the police have powers to immediately evict travellers from an area.

Brighton and Hove has been somewhat of a pushover in the past, but this petition is looking to change things.

Visit http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/mgepetitionlistdisplay.aspx and click on the gypsies and travellers petition.

Harry Palmer, address supplied

July 30, 3pm: This website link now works and takes you to the current ePetitions page on Brighton and Hove City Council's website. Here you can click on the petition mentioned above.