AN ADVERTISING van in a field to catch the eye of drivers on the Brighton bypass has sparked a storm of protest.

Readers phoned the Argus and councillors when the van appeared on Saturday, advertising Asda's petrol station at Hollingbury.

It is parked on a specially-protected site of archaeological interest and objectors fear it could encourage similar vehicles on the Downs.

Brighton and Hove Council leader Lord Bassam, who received a number of calls, demanded its removal.

He said: "This is not only a blot on the landscape - it is a blot on a protected part of the landscape."

The site is protected as the area was the site of a Roman encampment and archaeological digs have taken place at the spot.

Glen Ford, general manager of Asda at Hollingbury, said: "We haven't had any complaints so far. It is a smart van and everyone realises it hasn't been abandoned.

"We have permission from the farmer to park it there for a month. I'm anxious to get feedback."

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