1 Report an encampment
Contact us if an unauthorised Gypsy or Traveller encampment is set up on public land or a highway without permission. Firstly, you can check if the encampment has already been reported to us. You can then complete our online form below or phone 01243 642139.
Report an unauthorised Gypsy or Traveller site online form (external link)Rough sleeping
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, including someone in a tent, sleeping bag, on the street or in a doorway, report this to StreetLink.
StreetLink helps outreach services find and support people who may be sleeping rough.
Report rough sleeping on StreetLink (external link)
2 Already reported encampments
Goring Gap, Worthing
There is an unauthorised encampment consisting of 11 caravans at Goring Gap, Worthing. Notice has been served to vacate the land. Court proceedings will follow in due course.
Marine Drive, West Wittering
There is an unauthorised encampment consisting of 8 caravans at Marine Drive, West Wittering, Chichester. Notice has been served to vacate the land. Court proceedings will follow in due course.
Last updated: 8 July 2026
3 What happens after you report
Once we receive a report we will visit a site to check:
- its tidiness
- how much it's disrupting local residents and businesses
- whether it's obstructing highways or public rights of way
- if there are any welfare or humanitarian issues
We will tolerate an encampment for a short time if the campers are behaving, the site is tidy and other circumstances allow.
We are likely to evict if the camp is causing a nuisance or campers aren't behaving. Usually we agree an acceptable deadline with the campers. This is cheaper and quicker than taking legal action.
If we can't agree an eviction deadline there are powers the police can use. We have to apply these in line with the Human Rights Act and Race Relations Act, otherwise we may be challenged in court.