Police issue statement after caravans spotted at Goring village green

West Sussex County Council confirmed that 24 caravans and motorhomes are parked in Goring Greensward.

Gas canisters, deckchairs and other items were also seen at the village green in Marine Drive, Goring, on Wednesday, July 6.

“All have been served with a notice requiring them to vacate the land,” a West Sussex County Council spokeswoman said.

“Should they fail to do so, court proceedings will commence.

“We, together with Sussex Police, will continue to monitor the site.”

A police spokesman said officers are aware of the caravans.

“We are responding to reports of an unauthorised encampment at Goring Gap in Marine Drive,” he said.

“Our officers, working in liaison with local authorities, have attended and are engaging with the group.”

Caravans spotted at a village green in Goring

The space is maintained by Worthing Borough Council, with a sign at the park urging people not to enter with unauthorised vehicles.

Worthing Borough Council has also been contacted for comment.

Earlier this year, around a dozen caravans arrived in Preston Park, Brighton.

Brighton and Hove City Council asked police to use emergency powers to remove a group of Travellers, who eventually left.

Photos showed a number of people inside the caravans doing their laundry and other activities.

Last year, a group also set up camp in Stanmer Park.

As many as six caravans and other assorted vehicles were pictured parked near the University of Sussex in March 2021.

One vehicle could be seen towing woodcutting machinery.

Meanwhile, in July last year, there were spaces for 44 caravans at local authority and privately owned sites in Brighton and Hove, according to the Government's latest traveller caravan count.

Data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities showed there were 38 traveller caravans in the area in July 2021 – up from 28 in July 2019.

Of those counted this year, nine were on unauthorised pitches.