Newhaven homeless encampment returns days after clear out

Terri McDonald is director of the Essex Mews apartment building in Newhaven.

She says a homeless individual has been living by the nearby car park on Lower Place since August 2025.

Ms McDonald told The Argus in January this year that the homeless person had accumulated a significant number of items, which other members of the public had subsequently fly-tipped on, not realising someone was inside the encampment.

The person returned to their spot shortly after being moved (Image: Supplied)

This resulted in items piling up in the road, which Ms McDonald said was a "dangerous" situation.

Later in January, Lewes District Council intervened and organised a clearance of the site, agreeing that the items "encroaching on the highway" were causing a hazard.

But the council stressed that the individual's welfare was its "primary concern".

However, according to Ms McDonald, the homeless person returned to the same spot just three days after being moved on by the council.

She says that, once again, items have been "dumped" on the individual, including three suitcases and two chairs.

The person has also written on the wall, though it is hard to make out exactly what it says.

The writing on the wall is difficult to make out (Image: Supplied)

Lewes District Council confirmed it will be co-ordinating another clearance of the site, acknowledging the "ongoing impact it is having on the local community".

However, the council again stressed that the person's welfare is its "primary focus".

An older shot of the site from January, before the initial clearance (Image: Supplied)

A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: "Our primary focus remains the welfare of the individual who appears to be staying at this location.

"Our Neighbourhood First team and colleagues from the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) continue to engage and offer support, including housing options and access to healthcare services.

"People living in these circumstances often have complex needs and it’s not uncommon for offers of support to be refused.

"We also recognise the ongoing impact that this site is having on the local community.

"We will be co-ordinating a clearance while continuing to prioritise the wellbeing of the individual involved."