Transit sites are supported by Devon and Cornwall Police

The authority has drawn up plans for permanent sites near Shillingford Abbot, Ipplepen, Denbury and Fremington.

But Tories who control the council with the Lib Dems, said that "overwhelming" public concern meant the sites could not be integrated into the community.

The council's executive will discuss the issue on 20 December.

It may be that they don't want it in their back yard, but there has to be provision somewhere Rob Whitehead, Friends Families and Travellers

Council leader Christine Channon agreed sites were needed, but she could no longer support the plans.

She said: "I fear that the whole idea of integration and finding better understanding between the traveller community and the static community is a problem following the public outrage that there has been about this."

A council spokesman said: "No single political group has overall control on the county council and therefore it will be for the all party administration to decide the outcome of this recommendation.

"Meanwhile, the county council's transit site proposals remain in place and the authority is honouring its commitment to public consultation on the issue."

More than 700 people attended a meeting last week on the issue.

The council says a drop in the number of sites available in recent years has caused more travellers to set up illegally.

But if they were living on the proposed transit sites, they would pay council tax and have access to amenities for up to six months. People who are ill or pregnant would be allowed to stay longer.

Human rights

Rob Whitehead, from the group Friends Families and Travellers, says residents must accept they need the sites.

He said: "It may be that they don't want it in their back yard, but there has to be provision somewhere with decent services and good access to other resources.

"People have to think about the human rights of travellers and that they do need somewhere to live that's not just on the side of the road."

Council staff will be at the public drop-in events answering questions and recording people's views on response forms.

Plans and drawings for the proposed sites will also be on display.

The proposals will not go before the Development Control Committee until 26 January and people can register their views up to that date.

The meetings will be held at: