Council must find 46 gypsy sites

Gypsies and travellers should be provided with 46 new residential sites in North Lincolnshire, a report says.

North Lincolnshire Council commissioned the study by Salford University as part of its legal duty to assess gypsy and traveller accommodation needs.

A council spokesman said: "Tensions can often occur within communities when gypsies and travellers are camped on unauthorised sites.

"Designated sites will hopefully alleviate some of these tensions."

There are about 80 gypsy and traveller families in North Lincolnshire and the study found that 46 residential pitches and five temporary transit pitches were needed by 2016.

The council spokesman said: "When we identify the possible sites, we will of course consult with local people and we will listen to what they have to say."

Two public consultations would take place in August this year and early next year.