PEOPLE in Stroud are being asked for their views on which locations might be suitable for use as traveller sites.

Stroud District Council is trying to identify a sufficient number of sites to 'meet the identified need'.

Members of the community, landowners and organisations are being invited to offer suggestions for sites which could be used by gypsy, traveller or travelling showpeople.

An eight week consultation started on Monday.

It comes as Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has issued new guidelines reminding local authorities in England of their legal powers to deal promptly with illegal traveller sites.

Mr Pickles said: "I want all councils to be ready to take action straight away to stop illegal camps and unauthorised sites starting in the first place. Decisive action early on saves money and unnecessary upset for local residents."

Travellers moved into the public car park in Westward Road, Cainscross in October last year but moved on after they were threatened with eviction by SDC.

Concerns were raised about noisy generators and litter.

Complaints were also received about noise, vandalism, theft and abusive behaviour when travellers moved onto the same site back in May 2005.

The group, which included some 30 adults and 50 children, then moved into Stratford Park.

A spokesman for SDC said: "We are working on a number of fronts to manage the provision of gypsy and traveller sites for the future.

"This includes working with adjoining authorities to assess needs, working with applicants to grant permission on suitable sites and bringing forward a new planning policy to manage new sites.

"We want to work with communities to ensure future sites are in the right place and are well managed and the first stage in that process is to understand which sites may be available."

For information on how to submit a site for consideration visit the joint core strategy website at www.gct-jcs.org.