A COUNCILLOR has urged people to “vote differently” to prevent caravans from repeatedly parking in the city’s public parks.

Robert Nemeth, Conservative councillor on Brighton and Hove City Council, criticised the decision of the Labour and the Greens for abandoning protection orders that he and others warned would have a negative impact on residents.

He said: “When they forgot to renew Public Space Protection Orders and then subsequently abandoned them, we predicted that the good people of Brighton and Hove would inevitably be affected negatively.”

Cllr Nemeth criticised the council for its attitude to the traveller community after several caravans parked at Hove Lawns yesterday evening.

The Argus: Several caravans and other vehicles have parked at Hove LawnsSeveral caravans and other vehicles have parked at Hove Lawns

He said: “Allowing such parking, littering and antisocial behaviour on the lawns is just another element of the city’s failed liberal attitude towards crime on the seafront.

“The number of complaints that I have seen indicates to me that residents want a return to a clean, happy and safe seafront which can be enjoyed by all.

“This is a clear election issue that will only be solved by voting differently.”

His comments come just days after fellow Conservative councillor Dawn Barnett slammed the council’s “soft touch” on unauthorised parking by the traveller community in public spaces.

Cllr Barnett said: “The travellers are their own worst enemy - if they behaved themselves, keep areas clean and tidy, get off their quad bikes, people would accept them if they stayed for a day or two.

“The council has a soft touch. They say Brighton and Hove is a City of Sanctuary - but who for? Certainly not the residents.”

A group of ten caravans and other vehicles were spotted on Hove Lawns yesterday evening.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached for comment.

Voters in Brighton and Hove go to the polls for the local elections next May.