The Argus reported that Councillor Peter West says that the rejection of the temporary, official, travellers’ site he wants to set up in Hangleton has put the police in a difficult position when the Horsdean site is reduced to 16 pitches during its refurbishment in the spring.

Wherever you go at the height of the traveller season – cafés, pubs and workplaces – it has almost surpassed the weather as the chief topic of conversation and like most residents of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas, I follow this topic of travellers avidly.

This year we have watched hundreds, yes hundreds, of caravans descend on sunny Sussex.

At Hangleton Bottom, the idea was to set up 16, yes 16, pitches.

So can Peter West please explain to us simple folk, how a field of 16 pitches, and presumably the idea is that these pitches are often occupied despite the travellers having to pay for the privilege, is going to help the Police when there are over 100 caravans occupying Wild Park, when there are 20 caravans occupying Hangleton Green and when there are 23 caravans on Southwick Green?

We have also had them on Shoreham Beach, in the parks in Lancing, in the centre of Worthing, in the car park at Black Rock and on the Lawns in Hove and there is Preston Park, Surrenden Field, and Warren Road.

How would 16 pitches in Hangleton Bottom make the slightest little bit of a difference?

Until the law is changed to make it illegal for travellers to park up on parks and recreational land, giving the police powers of instant eviction, this problem is going to continue and probably just get even worse.

If Peter West really wants to help the Police and if Peter West really wants to support the people of Brighton and Hove and Sussex why does he not add his voice to the call for this?

Marion Tuck Address supplied