Clearing up after travellers could be costing the taxpayers of Brighton and Hove more than £100,000 a year.

Councillors on the policy and resources committee have been warned the clear up operations will be over budget and it is estimated the cost has already reached £60,000.

This weekend, council workmen were still clearing tons of rubbish after travellers left Green Ridge, in Westdene, Brighton.

This year, the city council has cleared Preston Park, Patcham Court Farm, Braypool Lane and Waterhall.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council's press office said the figures of £60,000 and £100,000 were "a bit high" but were unable to supply precise figures.

Most of the travellers in Brighton and Hove are now camped on land at the top of Wilson Avenue, near the racecourse.

Police are to serve a Section 61 notice to force travellers off the land.

It comes as more rubbish continues to be dumped on the site and opposition grows from managers at the racecourse and local residents.

Superintendent Graham Cox says tough action will be taken in Brighton.

He said: "Their behaviour at Green Ridge has been totally unacceptable. There has been damage and fly tipping."

He is calling for a second permanent site in Brighton and Hove, in addition to the one at Horsdean, which has 23 pitches available for travellers.

Jayne Moore, wife of Brighton racecourse trainer Gary Moore, who runs the Ingleside Stables opposite the travellers' camp in Wilson Avenue, has been urging the police to get them moved on.

She said: "The travellers have been at Wilson Avenue for months.

"I have no objections to some of the travellers, including one woman who is obviously doing her best for her children, but there are too many there and people feel harassed by their presence."

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, former opposition leader on the council, said: "I am trying to obtain the true cost of the clear up operations. I estimated it could be in excess of £100,000 when you consider legal costs, clear-up costs and salaries.

"Having another site would only encourage more travellers.

"We have got to be tough to ensure the only travellers in Brighton and Hove are on the official site. Resorts such as Bournemouth or Southend do not have these problems."