THE quest is on to find space for an extra 17 caravan pitches for gypsies and travellers within for Times Territory. A 12-week consultation period was launched last Monday by the Government Office for the East of England (GO-East). The East of England Reg

THE quest is on to find space for an extra 17 caravan pitches for gypsies and travellers within for Times Territory.

A 12-week consultation period was launched last Monday by the Government Office for the East of England (GO-East).

The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) has submitted recommendations for at least 15 additional pitches in each of the region's 48 local planning authorities by 2011.

This option will see 17 more pitches in Welwyn Hatfield and 18 in Hertsmere.

GO-East regional director Brian Hackland said: "Gypsies and travellers, like every other community, need somewhere to live.

"By providing enough authorised sites to meet people's needs we can reduce unauthorised encampments and help to end friction with settled communities.

EERA chairman John Reynolds said: "Gypsies and travellers want somewhere legal to live and local communities want to avoid the problems of illegal sites.

"Everyone now has the opportunity to make their views known and influence the Government's final policy."

* Consultation documents and further information on how to respond are available online at www.goeast.gov.uk

You can also email comments to

gtreview@goeast.gov.uk

Responses to the public consultation will be considered by an independent panel, which will provide recommendations on any changes to the proposals.

The Government will then consult on any further changes before publishing the final policy later in 2009.