LAYLA Moran has welcomed news of ‘authorised’ sites for travellers to avoid ‘disturbing’ locals.

The Abingdon and Oxford West MP spoke out in light the new set of laws which could give police the power to move travellers on.

Oxford Mail:

Remember when council teams were left to clean up the mess left behind by travellers when they finally left an Oxford park-and-ride. 

Before now, the force has had ‘very limited’ powers to order groups of trespassers to leave sites when they have set up camps on land which is not theirs.

But now, action is being made by the government to change these laws.

WATCH again: Travellers arrive at Kassam Stadium

The MP said: "In light of the results of the Government's consultation on Traveller encampments, it's clear that more needs to be done – legal encampments must be created in order to prevent all communities being disturbed.

Also read: The true cost of traveller camps

“Residents have rightly raised concerns about Travellers in the local area, however these new powers are only reactive and not at all proactive.

“We need a long-term solution.”

Oxford Mail:

Just last week a group of travellers that had set up on a football pitch in Abingdon refused to leave.

According to a report due to be presented by Thames Valley Police the number of vehicles needed for it to be classed as an illegal encampment will be lowered from six or more to two or more.

Oxford Mail:

Other changes will include the length of time between stays, and how the force can move them on.

Read more about what the changes mean in detail here.