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FOI request (FOIR-834646343)
Unauthorised encampments
Requested Tue 05 May 2026
Responded Thu 21 May 2026This is a request for information using the FOI act for the following information:
For each of the following years respectively 2026-27 to date, 2025-26, 2024-25, 2023-24, 2022-23 and 2021-11
Would it be possible to tell me:
- How many unauthorised traveller encampments were found on public or private land in your local authority area?
- How many unauthorised traveller encampments on public and private land have you cleared from the local authority area?
- What were the full eviction costs to your council for all cleared unauthorised traveller encampments?
- How many authorised traveller pitches are there currently in your local authority area – as of May 2026?
Response
Q1.
2011 - 1 encampment
2012 - 3 encampments
2013 - 2 encampments
2014 - 2 encampments
2015 - 5 encampments
2016 - 7 encampments
2017 - 2 encampments
2018 - 3 encampments
2019 - 6 encampments
2020 - 3 encampments
2021 - 2 encampments
2022 - 3 encampments
2023 - 3 encampments
Responsibilities changed to our Warden Service
2023 - 2024 - 5 encampments
2024 - 2025 - 2 encampments
2025 - 2026 - 3 encampments
2026 - 2027 to date - 1 encampment but in 2 locations
Q2. Same as above, although Hastings Borough Council work in partnership with East Sussex County Council Traveller Team and the Police. Cleared is not really the correct term as we liaise with the traveller group and look to coordinate a time frame in which they leave by not always necessarily with any direct enforcement action.Q3. Nil
Q4. None directly in Hastings but there are some in East Sussex.
East Sussex County Council own and manage 4 permanent Travellers' sites
Swan Barn Caravan Site, Downash Road, Hailsham, BN27 2RU (9 pitches)
Batts Bridge Caravan Site, Batts Bridge Road, Maresfield, Uckfield, TN22 2HN (10 pitches)
Polly Arch Caravan Site, Polly Arch, Lynholm Road, Polegate, BN26 6JP (6 pitches)
Redlands Lane Caravan Park, Redlands Lane, Salehurst, Robertsbridge, TN32 5NE (8 pitches)
There is also a short stay site in Lewes with 9 pitches
- How many unauthorised traveller encampments were found on public or private land in your local authority area?
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Freedom of Information
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