Plans for four sites were withdrawn after public opposition

Des Shadrick, who has responsibility for community planning for Devon County Council, believes the government does not realise the level of opposition.

Last year the council withdrew plans for four transit sites, following fierce objections from residents.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is consulting on a new obligation for councils to find appropriate sites.

Our last encounter to provide proper provision for travellers was a very bruising encounter Cllr Des Shadrick

Following a select committee investigation into gypsy and traveller sites, housing minister Yvette Cooper says some local authorities are not identifying enough appropriate locations for private or public sites.

She claims this is resulting in tensions and difficulties between travellers and neighbouring communities, but Mr Shadrick says there has to be an understanding of how difficult the process of putting forward sites has been.

He said: "The government really needs to understand that local authorities are dealing with a very, very difficult issue and they must accept that we need help and support to get their proposals through.

"I think there is still not recognition on the part of the government on the extreme difficulties that we are facing. "Our last encounter to provide proper provision for travellers was a very bruising encounter.

"I accept that we have a duty and responsibility to try to provide sites, but when you face public opposition on the scale we did, you're dealing with emotion so raw you could cut it with a knife."

Public concern

More than 700 people attended a public meeting in December to voice concerns about plans for land at Shillingford Abbot to be considered as one of four transit sites for the county.

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Two weeks later, the decision to withdraw the planning applications for all four sites was taken by the county solicitor in consultation with leaders of the council's all-party administration after "overwhelming" public concern.

On Tuesday the council announced that travellers on an illegal camp at Haldon can remain there until a suitable alternative site is found for them.

But some local people say they feel let down by the council, which had said the site would only be temporary.