I am extremely concerned that the group of people who recently set up camp by the roadside on the A27 in Lancing may be out of pocket financially.

Two trucks, one Transit and two smaller vans, plus four cars and five caravans, including one very large mobile home, arrived more than two weeks ago and promptly set up camp on the site of the disused filling station near Hoe Court.

I am reliably informed the collective noun I applied to them was not politically correct and might upset their sensitivity. They preferred to call themselves "travellers". Writing as a senior citizen, "moaning git" or "old fogey" upsets my sensitivity too. I was absolutely delighted by their sudden arrival. They weren't there at "cocoa time", 9pm, and appeared at early morning. What joy and interest they have brought into our humdrum lives.

The first change we noticed was the setting-up of a washing line complete with colourful clothing. What relief from the usual boring scene of green trees and grassland. The next day, a cage arrived complete with cockerel crowing at sun-up. My partner was delighted. She does not sleep well due to intense pain after two operations and has little rest. She needs to be up early to attend hospital so this early alarm helps her.

Within days, a dog kennel arrived, complete with barking lurcher. We have never witnessed police in our neck of the woods so it was nice to know this dog was protecting our community. We were equally impressed by the way this group taught their offspring. By letting them play football so close to the busy A27 took away their fear of danger. Silly motorists would sound their horns in a warning admonition, instead of swerving out of the way of a stray football or even a child.

Now, to our disappointment, our visitors have gone. I feel sorry because they have left possessions behind. They must have left in an awful hurry. A cynical friend said: "They've done a runner!" I'm not sure why they left in such a hurry, leaving behind a children's swing, a barbecue, lots of household utensils and many other valuable things. I am concerned about the litter and debris they have left behind. I am not sure what happened. They seemed wonderful, caring people.

I can only assume they called in to the local council office and left an envelope containing cash for anyone clearing up after them. Being such nice people, they obviously knew someone had to do it. We, the local residents, are happy to clear up the mess left behind. We have nothing better to do.

I will send their money back if I could but I heard they left no forwarding address.

-John Dawkins, Old Shoreham Road, Lancing