CLEEVE Prior Heritage Trust claims that a plan to turn land next to the gypsy site in the village into a green space has the support of travelling families.

Don Warren, chairman of the Trust, said an independent survey had revealed overwhelming backing for the project.

The 10 acre site has about 70 vans and is home to 130 travelling people.

A smaller adjacent three-acre area of land was the subject of a planning application for 18 caravans which was rejected in the autumn.

The owners have appealed but this is unlikely to be heard until autumn next year.

"There is huge uncertainty and we have a plan that will put an end to that and has the support of the travelling families," said Don Warren.

He said 92 per cent of the permanent gypsy community were in favour of the public open space and against an extension of the caravan site. The survey, carried out by a Birmingham company, involved interviews with more than half the families on the site.

It was paid for from part of a grant of £2,700 for a feasibility study provided by the West Midlands Small Towns Partnership.

Now, Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust, wants to buy the smaller site from the owners who are believed to be from Leicestershire.

If successful, part of the area, will be planted as a traditional Vale of Evesham orchard and the rest will be natural woodland with trees like ash, field maple and small leafed lime.

"This project has great possibilities for building bridges between the communities," said Don Warren.

"Here is an opportunity for travellers, village residents and Wychavon Council to work together so that everybody benefits."

Philip Brown, agent for the owners of the three-acre site, said his client had appealed against the refusal to allow vans to be put on the land. "I shall be taking this appeal forward." No-one from the gipsy site was available for comment.