Four Bournemouth travellers' sites revealed

The public are being invited to give their views on four potential sites for travellers in Bournemouth.

The pitches are on Park Road and green-belt land on Muscliffe Lane, Careys Road and Throop Road.

All nine authorities across Dorset have been working together to find the estimated 100 permanent sites the county needs over the next 15 years.

Councillor David Smith said the council was not endorsing the sites but merely consulting on their suitability.

"These options are being suggested by Baker Associates, as part of the work that all Dorset councils have commissioned them to do, in order to comply with our existing legal duties," he added.

Level of provision

The leader of Bournemouth Borough Council, Peter Charon, said he was "disappointed" they were being forced to consult on these potential sites.

He added: "We had been promised a change in the law from the government that would allow local authorities to work together to respond to the needs of the travelling community - for example, by providing a Gypsy and traveller site for use by a number of councils in one suitable location.

"Government has not followed through on its promise to allow local authorities the power to determine the right level of provision within their area."

The plans for Bournemouth will be discussed by councillors at a meeting on 12 October, where members are expected to endorse a consultation later in the year.

Currently, there are five official sites in Dorset.