Councillor ‘disappointed’ by police response after travellers invade Goring Greensward

On Sunday evening (July 19), a number of travellers entered Goring’s green.

Councillor Mark Nolan said he was ‘disappointed’ by the police response.

“As I understand it, historically, we were assured by Sussex Police that the bollards along the Greensward would provide a sufficient enough defence to justify swift action on their part. This clearly hasn’t been the case,” said cllr Nolan. “We have since been advised, and as a result assured residents, that the new transit site in Chichester would provide a speedy resolution to the problem. It has not.

“I have therefore requested an urgent meeting with Sussex Police to discuss why the Greensward in Goring proves such a challenge.”

Sean Keith, of Marine Crescent, saw the group with a number of cars and caravans enter through a gap in the fencing.

The 52-year-old, along with his son, Jacob, 22, blocked access into the field, using his van as a barrier.

Sean said he saw some of the travellers doing ‘donuts’ with the vehicles on the green, as well as urinating in public.

Before they left, he said: “The frustration is they will inevitably leave the place looking like a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

“I have nothing at all against travellers finding somewhere to live but they have to show some respect.”

A police spokesman said the force worked with the local authority to resolve the situation.

Resident Jeff Lister said the group left Goring Green in convoy on Tuesday evening, leaving a large amount of rubbish behind.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.