“There is a disturbing pattern emerging across at least the north of the County with regard to illegal gypsy encampments,” said North Wiltshire MP James Gray, speaking at a packed public meeting on Friday.

“It started in Minety, then Startley, then Bradon Forest, Hullavington, Cricklade and here in Semington. Travellers buy up small plots of land, illegally invade them with many caravans, very often over a bank holiday weekend in the forlorn hope of catching the Council unawares, lodge a retrospective planning application, which they know will be refused by the Council, but which they will win on appeal because of central Government planning laws which dictate a presumption in favour of travellers.”

“An incoming Conservative Government will repeal the Planning Guidance Notes which give travellers this unfair advantage,” said Dr Andrew Murrison MP who represents the people of Semington. “We should make proper provision for local Wiltshire gypsies, but should not have to allow illegal occupations of this kind.”