A council which has been slammed for providing a free rubbish service to illegally camped travellers is now considering giving them toilets as well.

The travellers pitched up at the nature reserve at top of Wilson Avenue, Brighton, six weeks ago.

Two large wheelie bins were installed by Brighton and Hove City Council in a bid to prevent littering on the land.

But the revelation that taxpayers’ money has been spent on providing the service for people who do not pay council tax has prompted outrage from residents.

Then, following reports that some of the travellers were seen defecating in bushes on the nature reserve, the council announced it may install portable toilets on the site as well.

Pamela Pannett, who has an allotment near the site, has complained to police and the council about the travellers turning the popular area into a “no-go” zone.

She said: “I don’t think it’s right. They’ve got two rubbish bins up there and now they might get toilets, too.

“It’s not right that council tax money is spent on them. I pay my council tax and rent on my allotment but if I put rubbish out then I’d be charged for it.”

A council spokesman said the bin service was necessary to protect the land.

He said: “These people are camping illegally on council-owned land and we want to move them on as quickly as possible.

“We are working with their lawyers and the courts to resolve the issue.

“The council is providing a bin collection service in an effort to keep the area clean and tidy, partly because it is a nature reserve. This is a practical and responsible approach in light of the circumstances.

“We may even consider installing portable toilets.”

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for environment, said the council had taken the travellers to court at the earliest opportunity but said the court had adjourned the case for a full day’s hearing after it was appealed.

Coun Theobald said: “This is extremely frustrating for the council and for residents. We don’t have the power to move them, the court does but the hearing will not take place until at least May 21.

sam.underwood @theargus.co.uk