POTENTIAL new sites for Gypsies and travellers in Wiltshire are being discussed behind closed doors by councillors today.

An assessment of land owned by Wiltshire Council that might be used for this purpose is being presented to its leaders on the capital assets committee at Trowbridge.

They have a duty to maintain a five-year supply of sites, which means they need at least 78 new permanent pitches – 54 of them in the south of the county - 25 transit pitches and five plots for travelling show people.

Fourteen privately-owned sites have been identified as possibilities, plus eight in council ownership, with another nine on a reserve list.

A review of Gypsy and traveller needs is being carried out for the council by consultants and this could mean more sites having to be found.

A public consultation is expected in the autumn.