AN official site for gypsies and travellers could be created near Liskeard.

Land at South Treviddo, a council-owned farm just off the A38 at Horningtops, has been earmarked for the potential site.

Travellers have camped illegally on land at the farm three times in the last four years.

Cornwall Council had to issue eviction orders on the travellers in each case, which the police had to oversee.

Last year police were called to several incidents of petty crimes in the area related to the travellers' presence.

And the tenant farmers complained about the mess the travellers left behind, much of which they had to pay for themselves to be cleared away.

Former police sector inspector Tony Joslin, who dealt with last year's incident, had visited the travellers at South Treviddo and said at the time that he believed the crux of the problem was the lack of properly-defined transit sites in the county, which in turn led to the travellers intruding on private land, resulting in conflict with communities and the authorities.

To try to avoid problems in the future, the council is working with Cornwall Housing to identify up to 30 pitches across the county for travellers in the next three years.

Meanwhile, the council has been interviewing applicants to take on the tenancy at South Treviddo Farm after the present tenants move to a different location.

The Cornish Times has had sight of the farm's letting particulars, which were issued by the council.

One section says: 'Part of the holding has been identified as a potential gypsy and traveller site to be managed through the council's housing provider. Should the proposal be granted planning consent, gates will be installed to provide additional security.'

In a statement, the council said: 'The council is actively working to identify and deliver transit sites for gypsies and travellers to meet needs and support better enforcement.

'The council is assessing a number of sites and intends to start consultation with communities before considering the submission of any formal planning applications.'