Council chiefs have instructed lawyers to start legal proceedings for evicting travellers from an old farmstead.

Until now, Brighton and Hove Council has tolerated the travellers at Patcham Court Farm.

Patcham councillor Geoffrey Theobald asked for them to be moved on, saying some of them were causing a nuisance to neighbours.

Assistant city director Gary Thurston said no date had been fixed for repossession as that was up to the court but he hoped it would be soon.

Coun Theobald said: "This is a U-turn by the city council and I welcome the decision."