Travellers

It's hardly surprising that "ordinary" people get fed up with politicians. Over the last four weeks - or maybe it's only three - there have been no fewer than three incursions (I almost wrote invasions and that wouldn't have been far from the truth) into our local Withdean Park by groups of travellers. Each group has left its own particular mark - trees cut down, fences and gates broken down, paving slabs removed, fires lit on the grass, trenches dug in the grass to level caravans, litter and rubbish (including nappies and human excrement) scattered everywhere. On occasions people have been threatened and one actually had a dog stolen with a demand for payment before it was returned. Each time numerous local residents have bombarded our local councillors and council officials with requests to DO SOMETHING to stop this happening. And each time councillors have replied saying they are doing what they can but it is all the fault of the latest party to take power or the last party to be in power. We don't want political sniping: we want action!

Anyway, the latest news this morning is that something might be happening. Quotes are being sought for various works aimed at preventing travellers entering the park - but the relevant department doesn't have funds to carry any of the works anyway.

We wait in hope rather than expectation.