Travelling communities

Frequently asked questions: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller encampments

Members of the travelling communities, including Gypsies and Travellers, periodically visit Adur and Worthing, most commonly in the summer and for short periods at a time. Adur & Worthing Councils welcome all communities to visit and enjoy our local area, and we also work together with partners to make sure visits by travelling communities work for everyone.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is the lead authority for managing such visits, but a number of different organisations are also involved including Adur District Council, Worthing Borough Council and Sussex Police. These partners work together with the landowner, the community and the travelling communities, to try to ensure that such visits do not cause disruption to those in the area.

• Managing unauthorised encampments
• Impact on the local area
• Rights and responsibilities
• Support for travelling communities

Managing unauthorised encampments

What is an unauthorised encampment?

An unauthorised encampment is when people set up camp on land they do not own and do not have permission to use.

Who is responsible for dealing with unauthorised encampments?

• West Sussex County Council (WSCC) leads on managing unauthorised encampments, checking welfare needs, and taking legal action if needed.
• Adur & Worthing Councils work with WSCC to check the impact on local areas, clean up sites, and prevent future encampments.
• Sussex Police can act if there is crime or anti-social behaviour.

What happens when an unauthorised encampment is reported?

• WSCC visits the site within one working day to check welfare and inform the group of expected behaviour.
• If there are no serious welfare concerns, a notice of direction is issued, asking the group to leave.
• If they do not leave, WSCC can apply to court for an eviction order.
• If necessary, bailiffs or the police may help remove the group.

See also:

• Tell WSCC about an unauthorised site or to check if a site has already been reported - on the WSCC website
• List of permanent Gypsy or Traveller sites and information about them - on the WSCC website
• Information about how Sussex Police works with travelling communities - on the Sussex Police website

How long does it take to move an encampment?

This depends on legal processes. Some groups leave voluntarily, while others stay until a court order is issued, which can take a few days to a few weeks.

Are there legal sites for Travellers in West Sussex?

Yes, WSCC manages a transit site in Westhampnett, Chichester. It allows police to direct Travellers there instead of staying on unauthorised land.

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Impact on the local area

What should I do if I see an unauthorised encampment?

Report it to West Sussex County Council using their online reporting tool:

• Report an unauthorised encampment - on the WSCC website

Who is responsible for cleaning up after an encampment leaves?

Adur & Worthing Councils check the site and arrange waste removal and repairs if needed.

Can the councils stop unauthorised encampments from happening?

The councils take steps to prevent access, such as installing barriers and locking gates, but it is not always possible to stop encampments completely. We need to balance this versus the wider rights of travelling communities and the organisation being severely financially challenged.

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Rights and responsibilities

Do Travellers have the right to camp anywhere?

No. Travellers must have permission from the landowner. If they stop without permission, legal action can be taken.

Do Travellers have the same rights as other residents?

Yes. Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities are protected under the Equality Act 2010, and councils must balance their rights with those of the settled community.

Why do the councils not use police powers straight away?

The police can only act if there is crime, anti-social behaviour, or serious disruption. Otherwise councils must follow legal procedures.

You may also be interested in:

• Government guidance around working with travelling communities, Gypsies and Travellers - on the GOV.UK website
• Coastal West Sussex Authorities Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA)

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Support for travelling communities

Travelling communities have a rich heritage in the area. You can find out more on the:

Gypsies and Travellers in Sussex - on the Friends, Families and Travellers' Heritage webpage

While West Sussex County Council (the lead authority) carries out welfare checks on groups that visit, the Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) organisation provides support to people from Gypsy, Roma or Traveller communities on issues that matter most to them. They offer advice on health and wellbeing, employment, and rights, and provide ongoing support. They also act as a 'care of' address and reading service for around 300 homeless families, to help gain and retain access to health, education and accommodation services.

• Friends, Families and Travellers' Heritage website

The FFT's Outreach Team also represents the interests of community members to statutory agencies and liaise with service providers, to ensure mainstream services are, and remain, accessible.

The FFT has created Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help people better understand travelling communities and dispel stereotypes and assumptions about them:

• FAQs - on the Friends, Families and Travellers' Heritage website

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