Police have come under fire for letting Travellers occupy a private field for almost three weeks before ordering them to leave.

The group arrived at the privately-owned field in Framfield, near Heathfield, on May 24 and increased in size from 15 vehicles to about 40 on Tuesday.

Complaints prompted police to investigate whether the group posed a threat to the community.

Police served a Section 61 notice, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, requiring the travellers to move on by midday today.

However, Councillor Jack Gore, chairman of Wealden District Council, who represents Framfield, said they should have acted sooner.

He said: "The complaints have been about noise and rubbish.

"The landowner will have to clear up the mess. That is what is so criminal about the whole thing and it is very disappointing the police could not get rid of them more quickly."

Chief Inspector Grenville Wilson, Wealden District Commander, said: "Sussex Police work to help secure a safe and just society in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities are properly balanced.

"It is our job to act impartially and not on behalf of any party."

Susan Alexander, national co-ordinator of Friends, Families and Travellers, said: "Travellers are one of the most disadvantaged communities in the UK, suffering from the highest infant mortality rates, lowest life expectancy and lowest literacy levels.

"This level of disadvantage is directly linked to a lack of adequate accommodation provision nationally.

"Until adequate numbers of authorised sites are provided to meet the needs of the traveller community, unauthorised encampments will continue with no benefit to either travellers or the settled community."