Investment for gipsy and traveller sites

East Sussex County Council has been awarded over ?1.2m for the existing Gypsy and Traveller transit site at Southerham near Lewes.The central government funding has been warmly welcomed by the county council.

The authority says it can now proceed with its plans to upgrade the Southerham site, which is also known as ‘Bridies Tan’.

Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Cabinet Member for Community Services said the funding will help the council’s overall Gypsy and Traveller strategy. ‘We want to reduce the number of unauthorised camps but in order to do this we need to provide the right facilities at authorised sites.

‘This funding will enable us to get on with work to upgrade the site at Southerham. Our plans also include better site management which will help improve relations with the local community,’ he said.