THE search is on to find a suitable temporary site for travellers and gypsies to use during the annual Great Dorset Steam Fair.

The fair at Blandford attracts hundreds of travellers each year and, with no official sites or stopping places for them to use, Dorset County Council officials said unauthorised camping and trespass is a continuing problem.

Travellers have in the past parked on private land, roadside verges and recreational areas.

In 2004 and 2005 the county council teamed up with North Dorset District Council and Dorset Police. They directed travellers to one managed site, and the project was deemed such a success it was nominated for a national police diversity award.

County council business support officer Mike Evans said: "It allowed the police to use powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to direct all travellers to the managed site, so vulnerable sites were left unaffected and there were virtually no reports of fly-tipping or antisocial behaviour.

"Last year an attempt to repeat the arrangement failed at the last minute due to pressure on the landowner to withdraw his offer of a field.

"This resulted in travellers occupying recreational land, causing a flood of complaints."

Since then, both county and district councils have been looking at local authority-owned land and land offered by local farmers as possible sites for this year's event.

A number of possible locations have already been considered, but several have been ruled out on planning grounds or because the location is otherwise unsuitable.

Mr Evans added: "The intention is to consult widely and submit a planning application for a site to accommodate gypsies and travellers, for a few weeks only, at the time of the steam fair - which this year runs from August 29 to September 2.

"The planning application could also apply for future years, as long as the fair remains in its present location.

"Once landowners' permission has been obtained, it is expected that details of about six possible sites will be released and public opinion sought as to the most suitable location - a process that should be completed within a matter of weeks."