Solution reached for Gypsy sites

Taunton is to be awarded £100,000 from the government to help ease the problem of unauthorised Gypsy and traveller encampments in the area.

Communities Minister Iain Wright made the announcement which will come from a grant set up to improve living conditions on authorised sites.

The money will also help the council provide new pitches to reduce unauthorised camping.

The council will add £50,000 from its resources making the total to £150,000.

Sites identified

In the light of the announcement a new scheme will be set up where the council will identify, buy and seek planning permission for a plot of land that could, where appropriate, be sold to Gypsies or travellers.

Money from the sale will be put into a fund allowing the council to continue to look for new sites as they become necessary.

The council has identified the need for one such site following a report from consultants Ark in 2006.

Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey, Executive Councillor for Housing Services, said: "The key to providing for Gypsies and travellers is to find a suitable location for small family sites.

"This funding will enable work to begin to break the cycle of unauthorised encampments."