Unauthorised Gypsy Camps Should Be Illegal Says North East MEP

A Teesside politician has backed a petition to make unauthorised gypsy sites illegal.

UKIP MEP Jonathan Arnott has welcomed calls to criminalise setting up pitches that haven't been approved by the local authority.

The petition, set up by fellow UKIP MEP Tim Akers, hopes to deter travellers from setting up wherever they like.

It says that councils don't have enough powers to clear gypsy sites and taxpayers are often left footing the bill for clean up.

TFM has spoken to Mr Akers, based in Hartlepool.

He said: "Making the setting up of an unauthorised traveller sites a criminal offence will swiftly deal with the problem of illegal camps.

"There will be a strong deterrent and powers for the police to clear the areas immediately.

"Rather than civil procedures, this will send a strong message that illegal sites are not tolerated and they will be cleared quickly."