ECKINGTON residents living close to an unauthorised gipsy campsite have backed plans to employ an independent planning consultant at an appeal.

The decision followed a meeting of villagers last Thursday and is an alternative to the costly option of employing a barrister.

The expenses will be shared with Bredon Parish Council, because despite the site's proximity to Eckington, it actually falls within Bredon's boundary.

The group of gipsies caused outrage when they moved on to their site on the B4080 Eckington to Tewkesbury Road at the end of May. They submitted a retrospective planning application that was rejected by Wychavon District Council. That application will be the subject of a three-day appeal due to begin on October 13.

Cilla Cameron, chairman of Eckington Parish Council, said: "I think the decision to employ an independent planning consultant is the best way forward. We have to remember that Eckington is quite a small parish and it is Wychavon's fight with the gipsies; we are in a supportive role."

Ian Marshall, Wychavon's head of legal services, said: "I think this is an eminently sensible decision. This is clearly an important planning appeal for both parishes and I am very pleased they have decided to engage a professional agent to represent them."

Vale MP Sir Michael Spicer this week voiced his objections to the site in a letter to the planning inspectorate. He said: "It is my strong view that planning legislation should apply equally and fairly to every section of the community.

"If one group are allowed, for whatever reason, to flout the law, the legal system may be undermined to the point where public confidence in its protection is lost. That way lays to anarchy, vigilantism and even, perhaps, violence."