He clarified: “It’s the third incursion in the last 18 months which is extremely frustrating for residents,” as he explained. “They have been served with a notice to vacate, which is excellent, but it is ineffective unless accompanied by a court order.

“Travellers are aware that no enforcement action can be taken unless the court order is complied with.

“The only other time they can be removed is if the police determine their threshold for anti-social behaviour has been breached, but no one understands what that is.”

According to Mr Neocleous, much of the space previously utilised by travellers has been safeguarded by bunding, which is the process of employing physical obstacles, such as dirt mounds or other constructions, to restrict unlawful access.

“It has restricted caravans because they’re confined to a small space, but it’s nevertheless very intimidating,” he told me.

“There are many senior residents who enjoy walking their tiny pets along Norton Road to open space. “Residents have complained to me about noise till 2 a.m., trash, animals in cages, and animals roaming free.

It’s an unpleasant place to be.”The RSPCA has come along and determined that the animals are healthy, but I’m not sure that alleviates the concerns of residents who believe it’s unfair to keep them.”

“I’ve been pleading with the county council for assistance in preventing it from happening again – height barriers or bars to make entrance to that cul-de-sac more difficult.

“Once they have worked out a site which is good for them, they will move on but they will come back.” West Sussex County Council has been contacted for comment.

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