A GOVERNMENT crackdown on unlawful traveller encampments has been welcomed by a crusading local councillor.

For many years, Pete Brown (Lab, Dorcan) has successfully lobbied Swindon Council for measures to prevent the unlawful camps.

Measures brought in have included changes in legal procedures to make eviction easier, and the installation of barriers at the entrances to popular sites such as the grassland off Dorcan Way.

Now the Government has announced plans to increase the number of official temporary stopping places for travellers, along with increasing police powers to clear illegal sites.

Ironically, Coun Brown called for similar measures in a resolution to fellow councillors some two years ago.

He said: "The announcement by the Government is exactly what I have been asking for myself, and it's good news for the people of Swindon."

Coun Brown stressed that he was not prejudiced against travellers, nor did he see the new rules as anti-traveller measures. Rather, he said, he was against anti-social behaviour and trespass.

Both Swindon's MPs Julia Drown in the South and Michael Wills in the North also welcomed the announcement. Mr Wills said: "I have been campaigning for these measures for five years.

"Everyone knows the problems that some travellers create in Swindon, although others cause none."

Housing and regeneration Minister Tony McNulty said: "The standard of behaviour of travellers should be the same as that expected of the settled community. However, this does not mean turning a blind eye to anti-social behaviour."

And Home Office Minister John Denham said: "This approach signifies the Government's determination to provide a viable framework within which local authorities can respond to unauthorised camping in a way which recognises the needs of both settled and traveller communities."