GYPSY, Roma and Traveller sites across Salisbury have had their ownerships "transferred" so they can continue to serve the communities that use them.

Wiltshire Council made the decision last week, which affects Dairy House Bridge and Oak Tree Field, in a bid to keep to sites open.

It has not yet been revealed who the owner is, but the authority has confirmed that more details will be released once the legal process is complete.

Civic chiefs say work is required to renovate old buildings and amenities on these sites.

Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for spatial planning, said: “Our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities deserve good services and living conditions. The council doesn’t have the money required to make these improvements so an important part of the procurement process was ensuring the new owner would invest in the site.

“Our main priority was to secure the right owner to carry out these works and provide the best quality management of the sites. The preferred bidder demonstrated the best offer to secure the right future for our residents in terms of investment and services.”

Wiltshire Council says it has worked with the residents of the two sites and kept them informed of progress during the process.