Emergency stopping sites for gypsies and travellers could be set up in Devon.

It is part of a Devon County Council scheme to tackle the problems of social exclusion faced by an itinerant community.

There are currently two permanent travellers' sites in the county.

But one of them faces gradual closure as residents leave.

Repossessed land

The site at Broadclyst, near Exeter, is to be run down so the National Trust can repossess the land.

The second site, at Sowton, near Exeter, is to be refurbished.

Councillors are also to discuss plans to improve health and welfare services for travellers.

Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have a joint policy over travellers.

Managing camps

They agree on balancing the rights and needs of resident communities with those of travellers.

The police and the council want to manage unauthorised encampments through discussion and negotiation.

A traveller health forum has also been set up with the aim of gaining an understanding of the needs of travellers and encouraging action to meet these needs.

According to the council, there are normally 30 to 50 travellers' caravans at any one time in the county.