Council probes security failings after documents reportedly discovered in empty offices
West Sussex County Council has opened an investigation after images posted online claimed to show sensitive personal records found inside two disused council buildings.
The incidents relate to Durban House, Bognor, and The Grange, Chichester — both formerly used as council offices. Trespassers posted photographs on a Facebook page purportedly displaying paperwork including Blue Badge applications, photographs, foster care records and court documents.
Councillors were told the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has been informed and that Sussex Police have been made aware of the matter. At a full council meeting on 17 July, members pressed for assurances about safeguarding of people’s data and access to unused properties.
“It is clearly an ongoing incident so we don’t have final answers on anything yet,”
The comment above was made by Councillor Nicholas Russell, the cabinet member for support services, during the meeting. He told fellow councillors that teams were on site at the buildings "going through everything and ensuring that everything is now be removed and it is all completely safe".
The authority says a rapid review of security across its estate has been launched and that action will follow where vulnerabilities are found. A council spokesman added the council would comply with any requests from the ICO.
Local concern and political pressure
Reform councillor Elizabeth Meadows, representing Bognor Regis East, asked for guarantees that robust protections were in place after social media reports suggested Durban House had been left with unlocked gates and doors following its mothballing after a 2022 flood.
In response, the council stated both sites had been secured and were subject to regular monitoring. The authority is also considering potential legal action in relation to the incidents, according to minutes from the meeting.
- Sites involved: Durban House (Bognor), The Grange (Chichester)
- Agencies notified: Information Commissioner’s Office, Sussex Police
- Immediate action: Security review of council estate; on-site teams checking documents
| Location | Status reported |
|---|---|
| Durban House, Bognor | Previously mothballed after 2022 flood; alleged unlocked access reported |
| The Grange, Chichester | Attempted unauthorised entry reported |
Residents concerned about whether their personal information may have been exposed are advised to await formal updates from the council or the ICO. The investigation remains active, and the council has not yet published final findings or confirmed the extent of any data loss.
Further updates are expected as the council completes its review and the ICO and police determine whether regulatory or criminal action is required.
