Tough new measures are to be taken to prevent vehicles entering Southwick Green and illegal encampments being set up have been backed.
£60,000 is to be spent by Adur District Council on new gates, bollards and benches strategically placed around the Green to prevent incursion.
The Green has been the site of a number of illegal caravan encampments over the years and it is hoped these new measures will counter the problem.
A report to Adur & Worthing Councils' Joint Strategic Committee says Adur District Council is:
“under a positive duty to protect the integrity of the Green and its general recreational enjoyment. It is required, therefore, that effective measures are put in place to prevent any future incursions.”
Doing nothing would increase clean-up costs to the Council, it adds.
Leader of Adur District Council, Cllr Neil Parkin, said:
“It is not acceptable that we are left with clean-up costs and residents are deprived of recreational space when these incursions occur.
“There is no need for it to happen. Official places are available and we are hopeful these new security measures will send out a clear message that we will not tolerate it any further.”
The £60,000 will come from an existing South Green improvement budget plus a deferment of car park alteration at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre. Adur District Council is the sole trustee of Southwick Green.
(PR20-078)
