A commemorative bench has been destroyed and significant quantities of waste, including hazardous materials, have been left behind following an illegal roadside settlement.

The group set up camp at Highdown Recreation Ground in Worthing on June 22 and subsequently departed after West Sussex County Council served notice at the location.

However, images captured at the scene on July 5 reveal bags of refuse spilling over, timber fragments, shattered glass, and numerous tree limbs scattered across the grassed area.

Among the discarded items is asbestos, which poses serious health risks if breathed in and must be handled by qualified specialists.

A memorial bench was also slashed and ruined.

Former district councillor for Northbrook, Russ Cochran, was among those who spoke out against what occurred.

He stated there had been a substantial failure to invest in preventive measures that were never put in place, resulting in unnecessary expenses for council taxpayers, environmental contamination, illegal dumping and harm to recreational land in a protected area.

He described the harm to the bench as completely unjustifiable and urged Worthing Borough Council to introduce improved security arrangements to stop similar incidents happening again.

The vehicles first arrived at the location on June 22.

WSCC, acting as the primary authority on unlawful camps, served a directive requiring departure by June 29, when nine caravans and one motorhome were on the recreation ground.

Despite this, the settlement expanded to approximately 25 mobile homes by July 2 before the occupants eventually departed.

The same location was previously home to an illegal camp in August the previous year.

Local residents also voiced their anger on social media platforms about the destruction and refuse left in the area.

Maxine Lawler described the harm caused to the bench as disgraceful and devastating for the family concerned.

Sarah Brown commented that it showed utter disregard for others.

When approached for a response, a WSCC representative indicated that the district council should take the lead on clearance operations.

A Worthing Borough Council representative stated that members of the travelling community had been present at Highdown Recreation Ground recently and that the council, together with lead authority West Sussex County Council and Sussex Police, had been conducting regular visits to monitor conditions and any effects on residents, businesses and visitors.

The council had supplied additional waste containers during the group’s stay to reduce the impact of litter left at the location. Since the group departed, the council’s cleaning staff have been removing refuse while a specialist contractor will handle the asbestos waste remaining at the site.

The council also acknowledged the unfortunate damage to the memorial bench and confirmed repairs would be carried out as soon as possible.

Together with partner organisations, the council will continue to evaluate its methods and explore potential prevention strategies as part of its broader programme in Worthing. Any such measures would need to be developed collaboratively with partners and consider the council’s investment priorities along with health and safety requirements.