LOCAL authorities are waiting to see if more powers are to be introduced to make it easier to prosecute travellers who illegally camp on public land.

The Government is looking into bringing in a new law to speed up the process of removing unauthorised encampments.

In recent years, travellers have driven onto several sites in the Taunton area and parked up in their cars and caravans for days.

The district and county councils have gone to great expense and time to remove them as currently 'intentional trespass' is treated as a civil matter.

Sites travellers have occupied in and around Taunton include the leisure centre at Blackbrook, Taunton rugby and football club grounds, parks, car parks and the Gateway Park and Ride.

In many instances, a number of people have complained of being verbally abused and feeling threatened.

On each occasion, costly clear up operations have been carried out after rubbish and mess was left behind.

A Somerset West and Taunton spokesperson said: "We have yet to see the full details of this forthcoming Bill which is subject to review and may change so are not in a position to comment at this stage.”

Under the proposals believed to be contained in the Criminal Justice Bill, travellers moving onto public and private sites would face arrest and could be jailed for up to three months and/or fined a maximum of £2,500.

A Home Office source told the Daily Mail: "These camps cause distress and disruption for millions of people right across the country, so it's right we are giving the police the powers they need to bring this to an end."