The work will be carried out at Manor House Lane, Prees, near Whitchurch, and Park Hall, Whittington, Oswestry.

Shropshire County Council said most of the improvements were being paid for with a �200,000 government grant.

The authority is footing the bill for rest of the revamp, which will include new PVC windows and doors and modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Council 'delighted'

The government's Gypsy Sites Refurbishment Grant scheme meets 75% of the costs of improvements, with local authorities required to pay for the remaining 25% from their own resources.

About �8m has been granted to help modernise sites across the UK.

Gypsy liaison officer Roy Jones said: "We are delighted to have received the award from the government.

"It will help Shropshire County Council maintain and improve the gypsy sites we manage."

The council runs four travellers' sites in Prees, Whittington, Polesgate near Pontesbury, and Cross Houses near Shrewsbury.

A fifth site at Craven Arms is managed privately on behalf of the authority.