THREE options for traveller sites in Christchurch have been approved for public consultation.

Councillors at Christchurch agreed to go out to consultation on potential sites in the borough for gypsy and traveller pitches after a vote at full council on Tuesday.

Preliminary estimates show that 12 residential pitches and 16 transit pitches are needed in the borough.

Consultants Baker Associates have shortlisted one site at the Grange Road Depot, which would provide 15 pitches.

Two more sites have been highlighted for further investigation – one at Dudmoor Farm Road for three pitches and land adjacent to Parley Lane, Hurn for 15 pitches.

The public consultation will start on November 18.

Cllr Ray Nottage, leader of Christchurch Borough Council said: “There are currently no publicly-run sites in Christchurch for gypsies and travellers.

“That means that, if they camp in unauthorised encampments, there is nowhere authorised that they can be moved to.

“Public money has to be spent moving the groups elsewhere with the associated inconvenience to local residents and landowners.

“The government has suggested that enhanced enforcement powers will be available to move on unauthorised encampments if a local authority has made adequate provision for sites in its area.

“This means that any unauthorised encampments could be dealt with more quickly than at present.

“It’s important to stress that no decisions have been made about the sites identified by Baker Associates and no decisions will be made before we get the views of our residents on this important issue.”

Exhibitions will be held on Thursday November 24 from 5pm to 8pm in the council chamber of the Civic Offices in Bridge Street and on Monday, November 28 from 10am to 2pm in the Monday Market in the High Street.

• Council officials have asked us to make clear that the exhibition dates for November are correct. Those printed in the latest council Courier magazine for December are incorrect.