Gipsy site sees MP and council at loggerheads

A meeting to discuss the problem was held in Glynde last week. It was organised by local residents and chaired by Lewes MP Norman Baker.

East Sussex County Council, which was invited to take part, failed to attend despite the fact that the travellers' encampment is on its land '“ part of the old A27 on the other side of the road from the Glynde turn-off.

After the meeting, Mr Baker said: 'I find it highly regrettable and unacceptable that county council officers refused to come to the meeting in Glynde.

'This is in stark contrast to Sussex Police and Lewes District Council, who did send senior representatives and took the time to listen to the views and concerns of Glynde residents.

'People in Glynde and Beddingham have been very patient with the encampment and have reacted, in my view, in a sober and responsible way to the situation.

A county council spokesman said: 'We are very well aware of the concerns of local residents.

'We have kept Mr Baker informed and he should know that, working closely with the police and Lewes District Council, we are committed to ending this unauthorised encampment as soon as possible.

'We understand the frustration of residents that a solution has yet to be found but in the context of a local and national shortage of appropriate sites, it is a complex situation to resolve.

'We are doing all we can to find a solution within the constraints of the law.

'The council declined the invitation to attend the meeting because, through regular and ongoing contact, we are already very clear about local residents' views and expectations.

'We don't believe that a large meeting about a very contentious issue, which concentrates on one part of the community, results in constructive dialogue.'