WEST Devon landowners who may have sites suitable for gypsies and travellers are being asked to contact West Devon Borough Council.

Having assessed the housing needs of gypsies and travellers in West Devon, the council is required by Government to identify appropriate sites to meet that need.

Six permanent pitches as well as a site for five pitches for use by gypsies and travellers in transit across the Borough is the requirement.

Local landowners are invited to suggest any land which would be suitable for these managed sites. The permanent site is expected to be in a different location to the transit site.

Cllr Diana Moyse, chairman of West Devon Borough Council's future planning and housing committee, said: 'We do not have any significant land holdings of our own and we are reliant on landowners coming forward to talk to us.'

The council believes the A30 corridor through West Devon is the preferred area for managed gypsy and traveller sites, as it provides good road access. However, other areas will be considered. Each site will need to be around an acre in area, and access to mains water and electricity will be important factors.

If you have land that you would like considered for development as a gypsy and traveller site, please send details to John Packer at West Devon Borough Council, Kilworthy Park, Tavistock, PL19 OBZ, telephone 01822 813616, email [email protected]">[email protected]