A golf course operator claims he could be ruined if travellers set up camp in his car park again.

Steve Callow said he could be forced to shut the Benfield Valley pay-and-play course in Hangleton, Hove.

Up to 20 travellers and their caravans moved on to the site four weeks ago and vowed to stay until they were evicted.

Mr Callow, who leases the land from Brighton and Hove City Council, was forced to take legal action.

They left just hours before bailiffs were due to arrive yesterday.

Course professional Simon Martin, speaking on Mr Callow's behalf, said: "Our customers were reluctant to come here because they felt intimidated by the travellers.

"We had to call the police after a customer's son was bitten by one of their dogs. A police officer was also bitten on the leg.

"Steve has authorised me to say we are in danger of having to close if it happens again."

Mr Callow had to meet legal and clean-up costs after travellers set up camp at the southern end of the former West Hove Golf course 18 months ago.

This time, he and Hangleton councillor Peter Willows asked police and the council to take action within an hour of the travellers arriving.

Officers were asked to serve a Section 61 order on the travellers within 24 hours of their arrival, requiring them to move on or be evicted.

A communications breakdown prevented the order from being served in time, allowing the travellers to remain on site until a court order could be obtained.

Mr Martin said: "Steve should not be left to deal with this problem on his own every time they come on to the course."

Coun Willows said: "It is not fair Steve Callow should have to shoulder responsibility alone. The council and the police have a duty to help him."

The travellers moved from Hangleton to Nine Acre Field at the top of Dyke Road, where they were served with a Section 61 order.

Inspector Beryl Bacon, police travellers liaison officer, said: "We made every effort to do the same at Hangleton and arranged to meet Mr Callow or his agent there at noon the day after the travellers arrived.

"Nobody from the golf course turned up for the meeting and that is why we were unable to serve the order within the time limit."

A city council spokesman said: "Securing a Section 61 order is a matter between the leaseholder and the police.

"We have visited the site regularly and worked closely with the police and other agencies during the eviction process.

"The leaseholder has never contacted us for advice on securing his land but we would be happy to offer some if he felt this would be helpful."