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)2 Already reported encampments
Whitemans Green, Cuckfield
There is an unauthorised encampment consisting of 7 caravans at Whitemans Green, Cuckfield. Notice has been served to vacate the land and court proceedings will be initiated in due course. We will continue to monitor the site alongside Sussex Police and Mid Sussex District Council.
The Green, Littlehampton
There is an unauthorised encampment consisting of 13 caravans at The Green, Littlehampton. Notice has been served to vacate the land and court proceedings will be initiated in due course. We will continue to monitor the site alongside Sussex Police and Arun District Council.
Last updated: 30 July 2025
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.