A WIRRAL councillor whose ward was targeted by travellers last year has urged our readers to take part in a Government review of powers tackling illegal traveller camps.

The consultation has been ordered by Housing minister Dominic Raab after it emerged that nearly 4,000 caravans had been found on unauthorised sites across the country.

Around 20 vehicles including wagons and caravans were parked at Upton Meadow, situated in Conservative Cllr Wendy Clements' Greasby, Frankby and Irby ward, on June 30 last year.

They were evicted a week later after The Woodland Trust obtained a county order, but just drove across the peninsula to The Dips in New Brighton. They then left the borough a few days later.

Urging our readers to take part in the consultation, Cllr Clements told the Globe: "Following last summer’s problems with traveller camps in Greasby and New Brighton.

"I'm pleased that action is now being considered that could stop it happening again.

"The legal process currently needs to be reviewed and we also need to make it clear to people who leave a mess behind them that we will take action."

The consultation, which ends on June 15, will look at what more can be done to allow local authorities, the police and landowners to deal with unauthorised sites and developments.

To complete the survey visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NW6G3YD

Plans for a review were first announced in October in Parliament.

Launching it today, housing minister Dominic Raab insisted most travellers were 'decent and law-abiding' people but added the Government was 'particularly concerned' about sites that broke the law.

According to the Ministry Of Housing, Communities and Local Government round 3,700 caravans, 16% of the total, were on unauthorised sites.

The department said the travellers' arrival could cause significant distress for local communities with concerns raised about fly-tipping and noise.

Living on unauthorised sites could harm travellers' health and education, the department added.

Mr Raab said: "The vast majority of the travelling community are decent and law-abiding people.

"But we are particularly concerned about illegal traveller encampments, and some of the anti-social behaviour they can give rise to.

"We must promote a tolerant society and make sure there are legal sites available for travellers, but equally the rule of law must be applied to everyone."