Protesters were blocked from getting onto land by police and council officials yesterday.

The group were evicted from St Anne’s School in Rotten Row, Lewes, on July 4 but tried to return yesterday morning to weed the site.

Police officers blocked the gate when about seven protesters, complete with gardening tools, tried to get back on the land.

Landowner East Sussex County Council said the group then gathered at County Hall.

Protesters want the land to be used by the community and held up a sign outside the site that read: “We come in peace to dig and sow, a space for change to share and grow.”

The county council said it is holding a consultation with residents on what the site should be used for in the future.

A spokesman said: “We are pleased that the protesters are keeping an interest in the maintenance of the grounds. However, the site has been secured following the illegal occupation and will remain so while the community and the County Council decide on its use.”

A meeting will be held on July 27 at 7.30pm at Lewes Town Hall.