TRAVELLERS and Gypsies have come together to fight for their rights and discuss setting up a dedicated site in Pendle.

They met with police, councillors and traveller liaison officer for the Lancashire Economic Partnership, Steve Jones, yesterday at the Open Door Centre, Colne.

Coun Ian Robinson, who set up the meeting, said planning officers and legal advisers would be invited next time, to discuss ideas for expanding the Prospect Farm caravan site, Lenches Road, and setting up a permanent traveller base there.

Mr Jones, a former traveller who now ensures that travelling groups' rights are respected, said: "There is definitely a need for a group in Colne.

"The Commission for Racial Equality has set up laws to protect Irish and Romany Gypsies, but my job is to work with all groups.

"Being an ex-traveller I know how excluded new-age travellers have been - probably more so than traditional Gypsies.

"With this new group, we will be able to try to resolve all sorts of issues."

He added that the association was particularly appropriate for Colne, because of the Waterside area's long history of Bohemian culture.

The date of the next meeting has not yet been confirmed, but is likely to be in six weeks.