Ministers have urged councils to act quicker to shut down unauthorised sites
Councils are being told to act more quickly to shut down unauthorised encampments and illegal traveller sites.
Local government secretary Eric Pickles claims many local authorities in England are not using the powers available to them to move travellers on. The Government is to re-issue guidelines and wants to strengthen councils' powers.
However, the head of the Gypsy Council, Jospeh Jones, has accused the Government of creating unnecessary tension and reinforcing negative stereotypes about travellers.
He has compared the situation to the Home Office's 'Go Home' campaign to clampdown on on illegal immigration. Pastor Jackie Boyd is from the Light and Life Gypsy Church.
He told Premier's News Hour the Government needs to stop viewing travellers as a problem:
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