A DOWNING Street petition has been launched to make setting up unauthorised traveller sites a criminal offence.

There needs to be a stronger deterrent and making illegal pitches a criminal offence would be just that.

Under the existing civil rules residents have to wait several days before action is taken to clear illegal traveller sites.

The clear-up afterwards has to be paid for by the taxpayer, and frankly, enough is enough.

Making the setting up of unauthorised traveller sites a criminal offence will swiftly deal with the problem of illegal camps.

There will be a strong deterrent and powers for the police to clear the areas immediately. Rather than civil procedures, this will send a strong message that illegal sites are not tolerated and they will be cleared quickly.

While each local authority has a duty to offer sites, it is wrong that a small minority persist in trespassing and forming unauthorized sites.

I would hope that a change in the law would protect community lands and see that all obey the law.

Paul Nuttall, North West MEP and UKIP deputy leader.