South west Hertfordshire will need to accommodate an extra 61 gypsy caravans over the next five years, according to a new report.

There are already 399 caravans on authorised sites and 37 caravans on unauthorised sites in the county.

This includes 67 caravans on authorised sites in Hertsmere, 55 in Dacorum, 15 in Watford and seven in Three Rivers.

However researchers from three universities say Hertfordshire will have to make provision for more gypsy caravans, if it is to avoid the problem of traveller communities using unauthorised sites.

Pat Niner, from Birmingham University, who led the study for the East of England Regional Assembly, said: "The case study suggests that there is inadequate provision for Gypsies and Travellers in the East of England region, leading to the problem of unauthorised sites.

"It is important that more caravan pitches are provided to ensure that the travelling community, who are among the most deprived groups in the population, have a decent place to live."

Residents will be able to comment on the findings of the new study, and have their say on proposals to address the issue of accommodation for gypsy communities at a public consultation which will start in May.

Chair of EERA's regional planning panel, Councillor John Reynolds, said: "The assembly will be encouraging local authorities and members of both the settled and travelling community to respond to this and future public consultations, to help make decisions about gypsy and traveller pitch provision in the East of England."

Local authorities are responsible for developing local plans and making decisions on suitable locations of gypsy sites in their own areas, following public consultation with their local communities. Sites may be provided by local authorities or by gypsies themselves.

Further information including a public information pack is available at www.eera.gov.uk.