A POLICE officer is calling for an 'acceptable behaviour' contract to be drawn up between local authorities and travellers in Burnley.

Padiham and Rosegrove with Lowerhouse constable Tim Fryer has suggested a new approach regarding the relationship between Burnley Council, housing agency Calico, the local police and travellers in south west Burnley.

He has proposed to introduce new 'stipulations' which would enable the local authorities to move on 'specific individuals' that are causing problems in the area, such as litter and anti-social behaviour.

PC Fryer's new plan of action comes after he posted an online survey on Burnley and Padiham's police Facebook page which asked residents about their views on travellers in Florence Avenue and Hargher Street, who are regularly seen visiting there.

In the survey residents were asked questions such as 'Have you noticed a traveller in the area?', 'Are they causing you a problem?', 'What problems are they causing you?', 'Are they having a negative effect on their quality of life?' and 'Have police responses been effective?'.

The results of the survey, which was completed by more than 100 people, indicated nearly 100 per cent of people had noticed a traveller and over 70 per cent of them considered travellers to be 'causing issues' in the area, while 60 per cent said they were having a 'negative effect' on their lives.

Following the survey, PC Fryer has called on the introduction of new regulations, including terms for travellers not to leave litter, cause anti-social behaviour, utilise skips or exceed a week's stay on the land. He said a court order would be sought for returning groups that breach this agreement, which would mean they would be banned from camping in the sites.

PC Fryer added: "This method could in the long-term enable us to move on the specific individuals that are causing the issues in a much swifter fashion, without being prejudice against the entire travelling community."

Burnley councillors said they "welcome" any ideas which served to "reduce tensions" between the traveller and settler communities. Ward Cllr Bea Foster said the council is exploring a number of options to achieve this, including the creation a traveller's site in Burnley similar to the caravan parks found in Oswaldtwistle and Huncoat.

She said: "There were travellers in Florence Avenue a month ago and they come at various times of the year because they have relatives and family within Burnley and come to visit them.

"Within the local plan we are looking at where a traveller site could go if the need was proven. Any permanent site would be similar to how they are in Oswaldtwistle and Huncoat. All the facilities are there and it's a proper, organised and well kept site."

Burnley council leader Mark Townsend said: "Any ideas would welcomed to reduce tensions between the traveller community and settled areas. It's certainly worth looking at and we do not want to taint the whole community with anti-social behaviour.

"This (idea) seems to support that type of approach. I would suggest it's something we should look into and could be something that could help alleviate any tensions between the two groups."