RESIDENTS in South Gloucestershire can now give their opinion on prospective gypsy and traveller sites.

South Gloucestershire Council this week launched a 12-week consultation into 17 proposed locations for sites, which are needed to help the authority fulfil the needs of the gypsy and traveller population.

South Gloucestershire Council, under instruction from central government, needs to find 53 permanent pitches and 25 transit pitches.

As a result of an initial consultation, held earlier this year, the council has already identified 17 preferred locations some are existing traveller sites, which could be intensified including land at Bank Road, Pilning, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury and Henfield Paddock, Coalpit Heath.

However, nine of the suggested sites are new, including land at Northwood Park, Winterbourne, Kendall Close, Yate, and Northwick Road, Pilning.

For more information visit, www.southglos.gov.uk/gypsydpd.