Councillors have called for more temporary Travellers' sites to cut the cost of clearing up unofficial sites.

Mid Sussex District Council has already spent more than £30,000 dealing with illegal encampments this year after the number of unauthorised sites doubled.

Councillors agreed more transit sites for travellers passing through were needed at a scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday.

Committee chairman Margaret Hersey said: "The committee had already intended to scrutinise the council's policy on travellers but, due to the situation Mid Sussex found itself in earlier this year, it was agreed this issue must become a priority.

"The whole district has been affected by the issue of travellers this year and we wanted to make it clear the council is taking this matter seriously."

Representatives from Friends, Families and Travellers Group, a national support network based in Brighton, a town planner and the police all addressed members.

This was to ensure every angle was considered and everyone's point of view was heard so that fair and balanced recommendations could be agreed.

In addition to the recommendation made to Cabinet, it was agreed the committee would also look at future reports on the level of transit sites available across the South-East starting with West Sussex.

It was noted members wanted to see a West Sussex strategy, which was sensible and balanced, with all local authorities in the county taking a partnership approach to what was a joint and common issue for all those who work and live in the area.