Views sought on traveller pitches

A review highlighted the need for 1,220 more pitches

People living in the East of England have been asked to put forward their views on where new pitches for travellers and Gypsies should be built.

Research published in March found the region needed 1,220 more pitches for Gypsies and travellers by 2011.

The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) launched a 12-week consultation with two options for sites.

Public information events are also being held where people can listen to presentations on the consultation.

New regulations make local authorities responsible for the provision of sites.

Unauthorised sites

About a quarter of England's travelling families live in the east but the region has only 16% of official sites.

Under the first option being put forward, future pitches would be distributed in council areas where research has identified a need - 1,216 in the East.

Option two is based on option one but with a minimum of 15 pitches in every local council area across the region to provide a wider distribution and choice of accommodation.

Councillor John Reynolds, chair of EERA's regional planning panel, said: "Increasing the availability of legal caravan pitches will provide suitable places for gypsies and travellers to live and help tackle the problem of unauthorised sites, now and in years to come.

"This public consultation is a real chance for everyone in the settled and travelling communities in the East of England to learn more about the options on the table and to have their say on the number and distribution of these additional pitches."