It is feared that Swindon Council could find it more difficult to move on travellers illegally camped on its land this summer.

Until now, the council has been able to move people on swiftly using the High Court Order 113 procedure, which covered all of the council's land.

The order lasted for 12 months and meant the County Sheriff could force travellers to move on when they arrived on council owned land.

But in a report to last night's meeting it was revealed that such orders are now illegal.

The order was challenged under Article Eight of the European Convention on Human Rights, and it was decided that such a blanket ban infringed on travellers human rights.

Councillors across the parties criticised the European Human Rights Act, stating it would continue to make life difficult for local councils.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) said: "It is a disgrace that law abiding people are being victimised by this law again.

"The Order 113 was a great help to the council and removing it will frustrate our efforts to quickly defend residents' interests and quality of life."

Evening Advertiser 19/03/03