COUNCIL bosses hope to reduce tensions between gipsies and other residents by identifying suitable locations for permanent traveller sites.

The county has an established population of gipsies in sites such as Horseshoe Farm in Warmingham Lane.

But Cheshire East Council says it will be ‘powerless to act’ against unauthorised developments and face huge costs if there are not enough permanent sites.

A spokesman added: “Permanent sites are popular with certain groups of gipsies and travellers, especially during the winter months.

“A ‘base’ site allows them to access local healthcare and schools.”

“If the council doesn’t have enough permanent sites, then the chance of unauthorised developments gaining retrospective planning permission is increased.

“This course of action would leave the authority, and residents, powerless to act.”

Although there are a number of well-established private sites and one local authority site, the need for further provision has been demonstrated in a 2007 assessment.

Council chiefs also think the creation of more permanent sites would reduce tensions.

This is because all gipsies on council-owned or private sites pay Council Tax, rent, gas and electricity in the same way as anyone else.

The council is also looking at locations for transit sites for gipsies passing through the borough.

Transit sites give the police greater powers to act on unauthorised encampments.

Costs to the council in legal fees and clean-ups for encampments also run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Since 2009 it is estimated Cheshire East Council has spent more than £50,000 dealing with unauthorised encampments.

Clr Rachel Bailey, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “We appreciate traveller sites can be controversial but we feel that by tackling the issue in a positive way we can achieve a satisfactory outcome for both gipsies and travellers and residents in Cheshire East.

“It is a balance of rights and responsibilities for all involved.”