Travellers camped at Saltdean Oval moved to Peacehaven overnight to avoid being evicted this morning.

The group were camped at the park since last Tuesday, provoking anger among nearby residents.

The council failed in a bid to get a Section 61 order, which would have allowed the police to remove the travellers, as officers said it would breach the group’s human rights.

But yesterday the local authority was granted a possession order, meaning the group faced eviction today.

They are now at the Joff, off Roderick Avenue in Peacehaven.

MP Simon Kirby , who had asked the Home Secretary to consider overturning the Section 61 decision in the wake of the failed bid, said he was happy the travellers were being moved on but annoyed at the time it had taken.

He said: “While I am pleased a possession order has now been granted and residents may soon be able to enjoy using this wonderful local amenity again, I remain frustrated at the length of time it has taken to resolve the situation.

“Many residents contacted me stating their concern at the alleged damage being caused to the park, and disruption to local residents wishing to make use of the facilities.”

He added: “Residents are rightly frustrated at the length of time it has taken the council and police to resolve this issue, with taxpayers faced with yet more clear-up costs and costly legal expenses.”

He said he was pressing the council and police to make sure systems were put in place to prevent a repeat of “this sorry situation in future”.

A council spokesman said: “Since the travellers arrived at Saltdean Oval on July 17 we have been working closely with the police to manage the encampment and to secure a possession order, acting within the limits of the law.”