Jail sentences plan for illegal traveller sites backed by Wolverhampton MP

Stuart Anderson said a series of measures proposed by ministers would "save vast sums of taxpayers’ money" and protect land from being damaged.

The plans, which are set to be signed off by Home Secretary Priti Patel, will make it a criminal offence to live in vehicles on land without permission, and to cause "distress" to communities.

Offenders face a prison sentence of up to three months and a fine of up to £2,500, while the law will also be changed so that people who are directed away from land must not return for at least a year.

Wolverhampton South West MP Mr Anderson had demanded ministers respond to a public consultation over the issue, which saw 52 per cent of 26,337 people back calls to criminalise unauthorised camps.

The Conservative MP is campaigning to stop Wolverhampton Council spending £1 million on developing a transit site in land off Gorsebrook Road, saying the cash would be better spent on creating a nature trail for local families.

He said: “I am really pleased that the Government has listened to my call to bring forward its proposals on tackling unauthorised encampments and has published its response on the public consultation.

"The measures proposed would save vast sums of taxpayers’ money and allow councils to invest more in local priorities.

"I have called upon the City of Wolverhampton Council to rethink its transit site plans and invest some of the £1 million in our city, including a nature trail at the site.

"I am encouraged that so many local people agree with me on this idea."

In a poll on Mr Anderson's Facebook page more than 90 per cent of respondents called on council bosses to shelve the transit site plan.

Concerns have also been raised over a proposed transit site on the corner of Pleck Road and Darlaston Road in Walsall.

Residents have signed a petition against the site, which they say will see an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.