COUNCILLORS in the New Forest have been branded as "bigoted" in their opposition to groups of travellers who turn up on land in the district.

A report presented to a meeting of the council at Lyndhurst stressed the importance of having a policy to deal with travelling groups.

"The policy, while not a guarantee against court challenges, will put the council in a stronger position if called upon to defend its actions with regard to the eviction of travellers," it suggested.

In support of looking for an answer, retiring councillor Derek Burdle recalled recent problems with travellers in Hampshire, including Bartley Park at West Totton.

"It's all very well that we've got a policy, but I do hope the Local Government Association will get to grips and deal with this problem," he said, pointing out that the council was no longer prepared to risk the safety of its staff by sending them out in the middle of the night, which was often the time when travellers arrived.

County and retiring district councillor Brian Dash referred to the need for 17 designated sites in Hampshire and Councillor Robin Harrison spoke of problems created by the "long-winded processes" involved in removing travellers from land.

Councillor Jeremy Heron commented: "The country dances round and round the mulberry bush and I think that sooner or later encampment will be a criminal offence."

He added: "I have never seen this council so bigoted against an alternative form of living. We need to promote good, sensible and decent forms of control."

The report was noted.