THE hopes of Worcestershire communities being plagued by travellers have been given a boost following the Home Secretary's decision to order a crackdown on law-breaking itinerants.

Jack Straw has told police and councils not to tolerate anti-social behaviour "in any circumstances''.

New guidance on dealing with unauthorised traveller camps are designed to prevent problems such as the one at Kidderminster Harriers stadium in January when excrement and litter were left all over the car park following a visit by travellers in 15 caravans.

Mr Straw said police and local authorities had powers to deal with troublesome camps, but sometimes failed to do so because of confusion over toleration.

"It is completely unacceptable that a small minority of lawbreakers feel entitled to blight the lives of the local community with anti-social behaviour and criminal activity," he said.

Police should deal with all breaches of the law in the same way they would with any other member of society.

Councils may start immediate moves to evict anti-social travellers who refuse to abide by a departure date from an unauthorised camp.

However, if travellers are not causing problems, a mutually acceptable leaving date could be agreed.

Councils should then consider providing a temporary water supply, rubbish collection and toilets, particularly if there were babies, children or other vulnerable people in the group.

Additionally, councils should produce leaflets explaining their code for dealing with unauthorised camps, with officials making regular visits to ensure they are not causing problems for local residents.

Ian Marshall, head of legal services for Wychavon District Council, welcomed the change in the Government's guidance.

"In particular, we welcome being able to move more quickly when it comes to bad cases where travellers are breaking the law and behaving anti-socially," he said.

He added that many travellers posed no problems to communities, and they would be given extra time to move.