Patcham councillors calling for boundary investment to stop travellers

The Conservatives state that Patcham Place recreation ground, by the A23 London Road in Brighton, has been a “hotspot for unauthorised traveller encampments for years” and costs the council “time and resources in enforcement and clean-up operations” as a result.

Councillors say the large park has an incomplete boundary which leads to unauthorised encampments. They are calling for an amendment at the council’s city budget meeting on Thursday to allow for £20,000 in new bollard defences.

Brighton and Hove City Council said unauthorised encampments are addressed throughout the year by the council, as well as Sussex Police.

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Carol Theobald, councillor for Patcham and Hollingbury, said the boundary should be completed to ensure that no more illegal encampments occur in the future.

She said: “The current boundary is noticeably incomplete and very unsightly in places and has led to unauthorised encampments year after year.

“This is not only unlawful, but is also unfair on the community groups that use the space as their public park and on the taxpayer that has to pay to clean up the sites after the Travellers move on.

Carol Theobald is one of the councillors calling for investment into the park's boundaries

“The problem could be easily resolved with a small expenditure on completing the perimeter boundary and I hope that this measure will be agreed to on Thursday.”

Alistair McNair, councillor for Patcham and Hollingbury, added: “Patcham Place recreation ground should not be being used as an encampment site, particularly given the council operates an official traveller’s site at St Michael’s Way, Horsdean, which is less than a mile away.

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“Nevertheless, it continues to be targeted year after year, much to the distress of local residents.”

A council spokesman said: “Councillors are due to agree a budget for 2022-23 when they meet on Thursday. 

“Discussions around amendments will take place then, and councillors will vote for or against them during budget council. 

Alistair McNair said the park "should not be used" for unauthorised encampments

“But all decisions will take place against the backdrop of huge pressures on council finances. 

“Unauthorised encampments are addressed throughout the year through ongoing joint work between the council and the police. 

“Concrete posts are currently in place to secure the main entrance at the Patcham Place recreation ground.”

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