Leeds Council has introduced a scheme designed to help Gypsy and Traveller families set up camp on ‘appropriate sites’.

The ‘negotiated stopping sites’ scheme will reduce the number of illegal encampments and the associated clean-up costs by proactively directing families to more suitable sites.

The council argues this will reduce the need for legal action.

There will be a maximum of nine council-owned negotiated stopping sites at any one time, which would be delivered on a rolling basis. Only nine caravans would be allowed on each area at a time.

‘This kind of provision is required to ensure that Leeds has a managed approach to Gypsies and Travellers, who have a Leeds connection but who only require pitch provision for short periods of time,’ said Cllr Debra Coupar, executive member for communities.

‘They enable a flexible provision to suit the needs of the travelling community whilst reducing the impact on local neighbourhoods and public money.’