Unauthorised Encampments and Traveller Sites
Wealden District Council recognises the rights of Gypsies and Travellers to have a nomadic life style and have access to services for health, education and accommodation.
We work in partnership with many organisations including Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council and all of the District and Borough Council's in East Sussex.
Within the Wealden District we have Gypsies and Travellers on both permanent sites and also within dwellings in the settled community.
The partnership working includes participation in the East Sussex Traveller Strategy, having regard to the Accommodation Needs Assessment of Gypsies and Travellers and also the Police protocol in dealing with unauthorised encampments. East Sussex County Council Website
The Council operates a procedure for the unauthorised occupation of land in Wealden. Removal of Travellers (pdf, 46kb)
Click here for the code of practice for Gypsies and Travellers in East Sussex
Click here for information on unauthorised encampments and the frequently asked questions
Wealden participates in the Traveller Forums that regularly take place in the East Sussex Districts and Boroughs to promote traveller involvement with activities taking place in East Sussex such as the Transit Site refurbishment at Southerham near Lewes and also to site provision within the Local Development Plan and South East Regional Assembly.
A new draft East Sussex Traveller Strategy is currently out for consultation until the 5th March 2010. Click here to see the proposed strategy or alternatively visit the East Sussex County Council's website.
Useful Contact Points
Report a travellers encampment online - If you would like to report an unauthorised encampment please fill in the on line form.
Friends, Families and Travellers:
Website: www.gypsy-traveller.org
Traveller Education Service:
Telephone: 01273 481000
Sussex Police:
Telephone: 0845 6070 999
East Sussex Traveller Liaison Manager:
Telephone: 01273 481344
Eastbourne County Court:
Telephone: 01323 752518
Lewes County Court:
Telephone: 01273 480400
Tunbridge Wells County Court:
Telephone: 01892 700150
Property Services :
Telephone: 01323 443279
Fax: 01323 443349
Minicom: 01323 443331