THE public are being asked to contribute ideas for the design of a Gypsy and Traveller site in Efford, during a six-week consultation that started this week.

The former Gypsy campsite at Efford Warren is one of three areas Plymouth City Council has identified as possible Gypsy camps.

The council has already completed an initial consultation over whether to use the Efford site and is now inviting ideas about what facilities there should be, and how it should be laid out and managed.

Cllr Peter Brookshaw, the Cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, housing and supporting people and community cohesion, said: "There is clear evidence from other local authorities elsewhere in the country to show that well-designed, well-managed sites cause very few problems for nearby residents, unlike unauthorised encampments, which often create considerable social tensions.

"This is a chance for local residents to play an active part in helping us to get this right and tackle the pressing need to provide official pitches for Gypsies and Travellers.

"The problems caused by the lack of authorised sites in Plymouth are not going to go away so we're urging people to support us in finding the best solution."

Anyone with ideas should email inclusion@plymouth.gov.uk, or write to: Social Inclusion Unit, Plymouth City Council, Floor 9, Civic Centre, Plymouth PL1 2AA before March 30.

From Monday March 30 to Friday April 17 residents will be asked for their views on preliminary site design ideas. This will include an exhibition at Efford Library:

Wed, April 1: 10am to 1pm.

Thurs, April 2: 9am to 5.30pm.

Fri, April 3: 1pm to 7pm.

Sat, April 4: 9am to1pm.

Sun: closed.

Mon, April 6: 1pm to 7pm.

Tues, April 7: 9am to 7pm.

Wed, April 8: 9am to noon.

Drop-in sessions with council staff:

Wed, April 1: 10am to noon.

Sat, April 4: 10am to noon.

Mon, April 6: 5pm to 7pm.

Comments need to be received no later than April 17. A planning application will be drawn up and will be subject to consultation.

Cllr Peter Smith (Lab, Honicknowle) said he had asked for a consultation exercise in Honicknowle, which would be affected by the St Budeaux site.

Details of the consultations are at www.plymouth.gov.uk/gypsyandtravellerssitesldf.htm

A separate consultation on whether to use land at Coombe Farm, Mowhay Road, St Budeaux, and at the Imerys works at Coypool as Gypsy and Traveller sites will take place from March 31 to May 12.

COYPOOL

Thurs, April 2: 9am to 1pm: Coypool Park and Ride.

Thurs, April 2: 1.30pm to 6pm: Sainsbury's car park, Marsh Mills.

Mon, April 20: 5pm to 8pm: Novotel, Marsh Mills.

ST BUDEAUX:

Fri, April 24: 10am to 4pm: Kitto Centre, Honicknowle Lane.

Tues, April 28: 5pm to 8pm: Tamarside School.

There will be displays with comment forms at St Budeaux Library, the temporary library in the former Jobcentre at the Ridgeway in Plympton, and in the Civic Centre throughout the six-week consultation.

Maps and information are available on the council's website: www.plymouth.gov.uk/gypsyandtravellerssitesldf.htm