FOUR sites are being lined up as possible temporary gypsy camps for this year's Dorset Steam Fair.

Members of Dorset County Council's cabinet heard the sites were needed to cope with the influx of travellers to the annual event.

The size of the vehicles used by many gypsy travellers means they are not allowed to camp at the steam fair and have often set home for the show nearby.

Miles Butler, the council's director for environment, told the meeting that last year several unofficial encampments were set up by gypsies after plans for an official temporary site fell through at the last minute.

He said sites were set up around Blandford with the most significant site at Milldown, where residents complained about noise nuisance and mess left behind.

The official sites are intended to allow the police to be able to take action to move unauthorised campers.

He said: "This time we are starting the process a little earlier and are consulting on the four proposed sites with a view to submitting a planning application to go to the planning committee in July. We want to find a permanent temporary site."

The proposed sites are at Ashdown off the C13, Burley Road Far; at Sixpenny Handley; land near Long Crichel off the A354 and Thorneydown Farm, near Sixpenny Handley.