The Prime Minister has agreed to put John Baron MP's attempts to change the law over travellers developing Green Belt without planning permission under the microscope for a second time.

The MP for Billericay and Wickford quizzed the premier in Parliament about his failed Green Belt Protection Bill which proposed to strengthen the planning laws and make councils provide proper sites for travellers.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Baron urged Tony Blair to look at the problem again which he argues is 'causing anger and threatening the peace and harmony of many communities for all involved'.

The move comes after the two politicians met in February to discuss the problems of travellers, particularly in Crays Hill and Hovefields Avenue in Wickford and Mr Baron's bill.

He said: "I am pleased that the Prime Minister is now re-examining my proposals but we shall see whether the Government really grasps the nettle regarding this issue.

"The fact of the matter is that the law needs updating for councils that are battling in vain on behalf of the law-abiding majority with one hand tied behind their backs.

"The residents of Crays Hill, Hovefields and Bowers Gifford are fed up to the back teeth with the Governments inaction - the time has now come to act."

Mr Baron has written to the Prime Minister saying that he was looking forward to hearing from the Prime Minister and suggesting a further meeting in order to progress this matter.

The Prime Minister said in response to Mr Baron's questions in Parliament: "I am basically sympathetic to the points that he makes.

"As he knows, we are undertaking a policy review on the position of Gypsies and Travellers, which we will publish shortly.

"I entirely agree that it is a major issue in certain communities. I know that from my own constituency and it is important that the powers are in place to deal with it effectively."

Published Friday October 1, 2004

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