The council is to look into providing more sites for gypsies

The claim was made by Charles Smith, chairman of the Gypsy Council, after taking part in a conference organised by Kent County Council.

The meeting, attended by councillors, police and health services on Thursday, discussed illegal stopping sites and camps, the high cost of clean-up operations and the effect on residents.

Concern was raised over the number of gypsies buying land, moving onto it and then applying for planning permission, which was often granted at appeal.

'Completely unjustified'

The conference agreed to request clearer guidelines from Government on planning and looking at the option of creating more sites.

But Mr Smith claimed the meeting was about how to avoid providing long-term accommodation for gypsies.

"The answer is not just transit sites - there's a need for permanent sites as well," said Mr Smith on Friday.

"There are not enough stopping places and not enough sites and that's why people park illegally."

Kent County Council said the criticism was "completely unjustified".