A lilac collection is under threat after travellers moved into a Brighton park.

The three travellers' vehicles and a caravan arrived at Withdean Park, Brighton, which is home to the National Lilac Collection.

The vehicles were parked just metres from the lilacs inside an area the council is in the process of fencing off to protect them from damage.

Patcham councillor Carol Theobald said: "This is one of the most picturesque parks in Brighton. It is terrible they have decided to set up there.

"There is a lilac collection which we are preserving at the moment and we are specially fencing it off so it will be protected.

"I will be having talks with council officials to see what we can do to evict them as soon as possible."

The National Lilac Collection has been housed in Withdean Park, Brighton, for more than 30 years and contains 200 species.

It was almost moved

earlier this year as the plants were being destroyed by rabbits.

Park users are also concerned about the presence of the travellers and fear they will create a mess.

Rubbish

Maureen Holter, 58, of Old London Road, who walks her dog there, said: "I think it is very bad. It is the rubbish and the mess they leave behind that worries me. You know who will end up paying for it.

"And I am worried once a few get in there more will follow."

A Brighton and Hove council spokeswoman said they planned to evict the travellers using section 61 of the Criminal Justice Act in co-operation with the police.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.