People across North Somerset are to be asked their views on where new sites for gypsies and travellers should be set up in the district.

Under new Government legislation, North Somerset Council has to provide an extra 36 residential pitches and 10 new transit pitches by 2011.

Currently, there are 42 residential pitches in six locations across the district, but there are no transit pitches.

The council already has a travellers' camp at Willowmead at Locking Castle, which offers five pitches.

There is also the privately owned camp Moorland Park at Hewish, which has 33 pitches.

Transit pitches would allow the council to move on travellers who set up camp on illegal sites.

All travellers using the pitches would have to pay rent to cover costs.

Although no decision has yet been made on where to locate the new pitches, the authority is looking at a series of options.

Landowners who may have suitable land for new or extended sites are being asked to submit proposals to the authority for consideration.

A series of exhibitions is being held around the district over the next month where residents can find out more and speak to planning officers.

Exhibitions will be held at the Somerset Hall, Portishead on May 11, Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, Nailsea on May 12 and at Clevedon Town Council offices on May 14.

There will also be displays at The Campus, Locking Castle on May 19 and at Winscombe Community Centre on May 26.

All sessions will run between 1pm and 8pm.

A planning officer will also be at Moorland Park in Hewish on May 12 and 19 from 12.15 to 12.45pm.

For more information on the gypsy site proposals, call 01934 426177 or visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/gypsyandtravellers.