Cash-strapped West Sussex County Council is bracing itself for the arrival of more exiles from the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia.

The council has already forked out more than £500,000 to house people originally from the island.

The islanders, all British passport holders, are seeking compensation from the British Government - which used to rule the island - after they were deported to Mauritius to make way for an American missile base 30 years ago.

A group of 15 are sleeping rough in Westminster after a High Court ruling ordering the council to house them for six months ran out.

The council is still supporting 30 exiles in hotels around Crawley and about 70 others have found accommodation in the town.

Council chiefs have made repeated appeals to the Government for help and are embroiled in a legal battle to rid themselves of financial responsibility.

A spokesperson said more arrivals could spell trouble for the council's budget.

She said: "We have received a kind of tip-off suggesting the next group could arrive some time in October.

"It is only whispers but so far the information has been fairly accurate.

"It's worrying for us because we have not budgeted for this.

"It has come out of the social services and caring budget, which is used for the elderly and vulnerable people of Sussex."

Alan Vincadassin, who was voted governor of Diego Garcia by fellow exiles, said the Government should foot the bill.

He said: "There could well be more coming. The council has so far been very supportive of our people and it has cost a huge amount of money.

"It has been very, very helpful. However, it's creating a big strain on the budget and it should be the Government who meet the bills.

He rejected suggestions that the islanders were workshy.

He said: "Some people in Crawley think we are lazy and won't work but we are all prepared to earn a living while we fight for compensation.

"But when you arrive you can't necessarily get a job or house straight away."