BURNHAM-on-Sea's MP has said the government needs to do more to crack down on illegal traveller sites.

MP James Heappey raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQ's) on September 14 after he received complaints from his constituents about travellers setting up camps illegally in popular Burnham hotspots.

Residents were furious over the summer as a number of groups of travellers set up camp on the town's Esplanade near Burnham Sailing Club and at Pier Street car park several times, causing frustration for residents and police.

Mr Heappey said: "Residents in communities across the Wells constituency have been angered this summer by a seemingly endless stream of illegal traveller encampments."

The MP asked the PM to look at what could be done to help local authorities to close the illegal traveller sites more quickly and at less cost to taxpayers.

Prime Minister, Theresa May said the government is 'concerned' about the increase in the illegal sites and the effect they have on communities.

Speaking at PMQ's, Mrs May said: "A wide range of powers is available to local authorities and the police and we want to see them working together with local landowners.

"We do keep these matters under review."

The PM said the communities secretary would be happy to meet with Mr Heappey to discuss the matter further.

Tatiana Cant, town clerk for Burnham and Highbridge Town Council said the council is grateful to Mr Heappey for raising the issue with the PM and agreed more needs to be done on a local level to deal with illegal traveller sites.

"The town council has no powers at all to deal with travellers.

"It would be helpful if Sedgemoor District Council was empowered to manage these situations more quickly and effectively.

"This may deter the frequent visits we receive.

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said the council takes action against travellers when they occupy land owned by the council. "If they are not on council owned land then it is for the landowner to take action," the spokesman said.

"SDC have a co-ordinated plan of action to deal with these incursions.

"However, we have work within legal parameters which have statutory timescales."