NEW sites across the county are being considered as potential pitches for gypsies, travellers and travelling show people.

Herefordshire Council has launched a public consultation on potential new sites and site extensions as part of the preparation of its Herefordshire Local Plan Traveller Site policy.

The council says the need for additional pitches was identified during research carried out to assess current and future accommodation requirements of the travelling communities.

The locations under consideration, following the ‘call for sites’ that ran from December 2015 to February 2016, are in Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Lower Bullingham, Bromyard, Trumpet/Pixley, Pembridge, Sutton St Nicholas and Grafton. None are in Hereford itself.

The council says the action is being taken to address the shortfall of available sites for those needing a base in Herefordshire as well as those travelling across the county.

It is understood that travellers have moved onto the Hereford Livestock Market this week. Herefordshire Council says it is not responsible for serving notice as the land is leased and a representative from the market said they did not wish to comment.

Detailed studies have identified the level of need in the county as being 19 permanent pitches, five for travelling show people and three temporary stopping pitches in the first five years of the plan.

The establishment of transit pitches will allow travellers to move through the county more 'harmoniously', the council says, providing greater certainty for travellers and local residents.

The council is still inviting land to be put forward for consideration of possible new sites as further sites will be required for 2020 onwards.

The consultation runs from Monday 25 July to Monday 19 September 2016 and can be found at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/traveller-sites-consultation

Hard copies can also be viewed at information points such as libraries and customer service centres across Herefordshire.

Drop in sessions are also being arranged at Holmer Parish Church Hall on Monday, September 5 from 4pm to 7pm, the Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye on Thursday, September 8 between 4pm and 7pm. A further event is also being planned for Leominster but is yet to be confirmed.