Public asked views on gypsy camp

The public is being given the chance to air views on on proposals to provide 79 pitches for gypsies and travellers in the Mendips.

The figure has been revealed by the South West Regional Assembly (SWRA) as part of a consultation document to help plan future provision for gypsies.

It would see Mendip providing 49 residential pitches for static homes, and 30 pitches for mobile homes.

The proposals will be formally considered in the spring of next year.

October deadline

The proposed pitch figures for Mendip, which are expected to last until 2011, have been compiled by the district council through its own studies and consultation.

Housing manager Jennie Wheeler said: "We take the need for gypsy and traveller pitches extremely seriously.

"We recognise that we must work with the South West Regional Assembly and the government to progress their proposals.

Ms Wheeler said comments should be submitted before the end of October.

The district council has set up an exhibition outlining the proposals at its offices in Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet.