As the last of more than 100 caravans left Princes Park in Eastbourne last night, experts began counting the cost of the upheaval left behind.

Council workers are today assessing the damage to a huge area of the popular park and a seafront coach park left strewn with rubbish and excrement.

Seeing the aftermath for the first time, council amenities and leisure director Ron Cussons said he was shocked.

He said: "I can't believe it.It's going to take an army of people to clean this up.

"At least the police and the council did a good job in getting rid of them, now perhaps we can try to get back to normal."

It is estimated that thousands of pounds will have to be spent to repair the damage which also included the vandalism of public toilets and vending machines.

The 300-strong group arrived in Eastbourne last Thursday and travelled by coach and three stretch limousines to a lavish engagement party at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on Saturday.

Residents inundated police and Eastbourne Borough Council with complaints throughout the bank holidayweekend claiming they were being "terrorised" by the group.

The group's vehicles caused severe damage to picturesque Princes Park before they moved to a nearby coach park.

As the travellers left yesterday morning, police defended their handling of the situation.

East Downs division Chief Inspector Peter Mills said: "The police resources to move 300 people and 100 caravans is immense.

"Officers were drafted in from throughout Sussex to deal with the travellers and they eventually left peacefully yesterday as they indicated to us on Saturday."

In all seven arrests were made for public order offences and there were a reported 63 further incidents linked to the camp of luxury mobile homes and expensive cars.

Mr Mills said: "The powers we have in relation to travellers empower us to move them on if there are six or more caravans, with the consent of the owner.

"But it has to go through the legal process and the travelling community are aware of the powers we have and chose their timing wisely."

The police chief said the force had no prior warning that the travellers were heading for Eastbourne.

He added that there was "insufficient evidence" to press charges in relation to the damage to grassland at Princes Park or the adjacent coach park and facilities.

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