THE call to crack down on illegal travellers in Somerset has been taken to the Houses of Parliament in the hope laws will be toughened by the Government.

Burnham-on-Sea MP James Heappey met Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid David in a bid for senior ministers to strengthen their stance.

The MP spoke to ministers in the House of Commons on October 9 about the impact illegal travellers are having on communities and urged them to review legislation.

He told members he has received complaints from constituents about travellers setting up camps in popular Burnham beauty spots.

At the meeting last week, Mr Javid said the Government needs to “look again” at the powers held by local authorities to “move illegal travellers on quickly and at the least expense.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Heappey said: “Sajid clearly understands the impact these illegal encampments have on the communities they visit. I am grateful the Government is looking again at this legislation.

"I hope to also contribute to the review and I will be inviting local authorities to do so as well.”

The Burnham-on-Sea MP received an influx of complaints from residents over the summer after a number of groups set up camp in Berrow, Street, Shepton Mallet, Brean and routinely in car parks and sports clubs in Burnham-on-Sea.

Sedgemoor District Council and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council helped remove travellers but the district authority said it is difficult for councils to take action against them when they occupy land which is not publicly-owned.

Somerset councils spent more than £50,000 removing illegal camps in the last three years.