Hundreds in Brighton traveller site demo

Protesters say Happy Valley in Woodingdean would not be suitable as a travellers' site

A peaceful demonstration has taken place in a Brighton park over plans for a travellers' site in the city.

Several hundred people gathered in Happy Valley in Woodingdean.

Brighton and Hove City Council has said a shortlist of potential permanent traveller' sites will be put forward by the end of the year.

Speaking to the crowd, Simon Kirby, Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown, called for the removal of the park from the list of locations being considered.

Those gathering for the demonstration, which began at about 14:00 BST, included local families with children.

The protest was described as very peaceful.

Madeline Farr, one of the demonstration organisers, said: "The residents feel that Happy Valley is not a suitable candidate for a site and are meeting there to show their unity against such plans."