PROPOSED travellers and gypsy sites in Dorset have been branded out-of-the way exposed pieces of land with no amenities.

In a bid to provide space where travellers can legally park, the county council has proposed nine sites and is asking the public for their views.

But the shortlist has already been given short-shrift by a spokesman for the gypsy community.

Basil Burton of the National Romany Rights Association claims most of the sites in North and East Dorset are too small to accommodate more than three or four vehicles.

And he is not impressed by the quality of the land or the accessibility to local amenities.

The Antisocial Behaviour Act passed last year has increased police powers to deal with unauthorised gypsy camps, but only where local authorities have identified alternative stopping places.

Dorset County Council wants to set up sites to which illegally parked travellers can be directed.

The list of proposed sites includes former waste sites at Conygar Coppice near Okeford Fitzpaine, Stourpaine, a chipping store at Avon Castle near Ringwood and Coombe Keynes near Wool.

Local councils, residents, police and groups representing the interests of gypsies and travellers are being consulted.

Mr Burton said: "These locations are in the wrong places. Some of them would be all right for two or three travellers at a time but many travel in larger groups for safety in numbers because they are dealt with so heavy-handedly.

"The council is making an effort but the suggested sites are at household waste depot land, chipping dumps, out in the wilds where there is nothing - no amenities, shops, schools or doctors."

Comments should be sent to the Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Team, Dorset County Council, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ by May 12.