Football matches have been cancelled after travellers moved onto a pitch.

An unauthorised encampment has been established on open space just off Mile Oak Gardens near the boundary between Portslade and Southwick.

Mile Oak Wanderers football team, which plays on the land belonging to Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, had to cancel a match and training for its youth teams last week.

An adult five-a-side football tournament is also due to take place on the site on Monday.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said it was aware the owners of the land were liaising with police about managing the site.

Ward councillor Bob Carden said: “I’m not saying they are causing trouble but it’s used by horse riders, walkers, lots of people and they are concerned about the speed at which they’re travelling on the track leading to the pitch.”

Coun Carden said he was working with local sports clubs to find an alternative pitch for the tournament.