Squalor of the travellers' island camp

Since the Christmas holiday there has been a steady stream of caravans coming and going at the Denton Island Training and Business Centre car park. This week the number swelled to around 20.

People working on the island complained it had been turned into a rubbish and sewage-strewn eyesore.

Dave Barton, manger of Flude's Carpets, was concerned it would put people off visiting his shop.

He said: 'We have had foul mouthed kids swearing in the shop, but it's the mess which is the major issue. We have even caught some of them using our back yard as a toilet.

'It detracts from everything that Flude's and the training centre has done to improve the area.'

Geoff Thomas, finance manager at Expanded Polystyrene Supplies, added: 'It's horrendous. The occupants of the caravans have been squatting publicly on the footpath and depositing human waste. It's disgusting - and they wonder why people get up in arms.

'If they were to pull-up, use the facilities, and clean up after themselves there wouldn't be a problem. But as ratepayers why should we subsidise these people? There is rubbish all over Denton Island at the moment.'

Youngsters had also been risking their safety by playing in skips and were abusive when told to move on.

Ian Johns, owner of Meeching Boats, said: 'I have no problem with them as long as they behave themselves, but there are dogs, empty gas cylinders and rubbish everywhere.

'Some people are worried about coming here because of the reputation some travellers have got.'

A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council said an eviction notice was due to be issued today (Friday) and, if necessary, bailiffs would be sent in early next week.

She added: 'Lewes District Council is fully aware of the situation on Denton Island. Travellers have been there since before Christmas, however, the group has got much bigger and we have had a lot of complaints from residents and traders.

'There are environmental issues and the area will have to be properly cleaned. We are taking the problem very seriously.'

A spokeswoman for South Downs College, which owns the Denton Island Business and Training Centre, said: 'The area lacks suitable facilities for travelling families and this has caused some concerns to Sussex Downs staff.'