Error 8003 - can't empty trash

I have deleted loads of ex-vidio clip files from iMovie and have got down to the last few. The trash will not delete these saying Error 8003. I am trying to reduce the files in my external 1TB drive which also contains back-ups of my hard drive and Time Machine. Is there anyway I can get rid of these remaining files.
Thanks
I am using 10.6.8 on an iMac

sydneyjames wrote:
EJECT the external drive from the desktop, empty trash WORKED, then disconnect and reconnect the external drive USB to use it again.
That makes the trash on the external HD disappear from the trash shown on your Mac, but doesn't empty it.
I'm having to do this every time I want to empty trash so it's not solving the root problem, but at least I can empty the HUGE time machine backups.
You shouldn't have to delete Time Machine backups, as Time Machine will automatically delete the oldest ones when it needs room for new ones.  If you do want to delete any manually,don't use the Finder.  Use the Time Machine display.  See #12 inTime Machine - Frequently Asked Questions.
For the ones you've already got hung up in the external's trash, see #E6 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting.

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