A SHORTAGE of authorised sites for travellers has been blamed on public distaste for the "g" word.

Gipsy sites are so unpopular with the public that no councillor wants to vote in favour of them, said the agent acting on behalf of the travellers encamped near Eckington.

Under current legislation, the county council cannot provide more sites, although it has received Government funds to improve existing ones.

"The onus is now on private land owners to provide sites, but the 'g' word is a killer for planning applications," said Mr Stainer.

"Planning applications for houses have about 80 per cent success, but applications for gipsy sites get more than 90 per cent refusal," said Ron Stainer, who has applied for planning permission on their behalf.

Worcestershire has nine gipsy sites, occupied by 141 families, with a further 97 families on the waiting list.

Mr Stainer said the number of authorised sites fell short of the number needed.

"Twice a year, the Government asks district councils to give figures for the number of gipsies in their area and these are published every two-and-a-half years," he said.

"Over the last five counts, Worcestershire had 393 caravans on unauthorised sites, 1,005 on council sites and 394 on private sites. That's an average shortfall of 39.2 per cent, which indicates a substantial need.

"If these people are moved on, where can they go, except back to the side of the road?"