Travellers may get county support

Devon does not have any authorised travellers' sites

Support for travellers in Devon could be stepped following a new study of the community's needs.

The University of Plymouth was jointly commissioned by local councils, Dartmoor National Park and health trusts to carry out the assessment.

They will look into travellers' access to accommodation, as well as health, safety and education.

Recommendations for future provision will be submitted to local authorities in the autumn.

Devon does not have any authorised stopping points for travellers.

The study will determine how many permanent and temporary authorised pitches are needed county-wide.

For the first time ever, Devon is undertaking county-wide research to properly understand the needs of the travelling communities Katie Pratt, Plymouth City Council

Devon's eight Primary Care Trusts are also supporting the study and aim to include travellers in their strategic plans.

The University of Plymouth researchers said the lack of available support had led to a direct rise in health, education and welfare problems for the community.

The research will be carried out by the Social Research and Regeneration Unit this summer.

Katie Pratt, social inclusion officer for Plymouth City Council, who is coordinating the survey work, said travellers needed to have access to all public services.

"Meeting the needs of the travelling community is difficult for local authorities precisely because of the nature of the travelling lifestyle but that cannot be an excuse.

"Now for the first time ever Devon, including Plymouth and Torbay, is undertaking county-wide research to properly understand the needs of the travelling communities."