The Conservative Party has pledged to clamp down on nuisance Travellers at an unofficial camp in Brighton.

Archie Norman, the Shadow Environment Secretary, unveiled the Tories' seven-point plan to tackle the issue at Patcham Court Farm, where there has been an illegal camp for several months.

Residents claim there have been problems at the site including noise, litter and problems with dogs and a horse wandering through people's gardens.

Mr Norman said: "Most travelling people lead law-abiding, respectful lives. But a small minority of travellers cause disorder and misery wherever they go."

Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion David Gold said: "Local residents have been intimidated, their children threatened and cars have been dumped."

But the manner in which the Conservatives launched the Common Sense on Travellers document drew criticism.

Chris, who lives on the site, said the travellers were being used as political pawns.

He said: "All that has happened this morning is they walked around without even talking to us or saying hello.

"They were just frowning and scowling at us. That is not going to solve the problem."

Resident Jackie Marriott said: "I am not anti-traveller but I am not pro-traveller either.

"I think the way it was done today with lots of blue banners was very inciteful. It must have been very intimidating."

May 15 2001