TWO Gipsy sites will become a better place for temporary residents after winning £1m of Government funding.

Waterside Park in Offenham, near Evesham, and Lower Heath, at Hartlebury Common, Stourport-on-Severn, will receive the majority of their refurbishment costs through the Gipsy Site Refurbishment Programme.

The grants meet 75 per cent of the cost of work such as improved drainage and enlarged pitches, cutting the amount of money to be paid out of Worcestershire County Council's budget.

Waterside Park has been awarded £482,260, while Lower Heath will receive £533,946. They are among 65 projects which have succeeded in the final round of the £17m three-year programme.

Worcestershire County Council welcomed the news.

"To get grants for both sites shows that our scheme was the real thing," said Worcestershire County Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for resources.

"I pass on my congratulations to all concerned. To get so much out of such a small pot is a big win."

Housing Minister Tony McNulty said it was important to keep existing Gipsy sites open and provide good-quality amenities.

"The provision of good-quality sites for Gipsies and travellers allows them to live in harmony with neighbouring settled communities, and reduces the need for illegal encampments," he said.

Mr McNulty also launched a consultation with local authorities and police forces on guidelines for managing unauthorised camping.

"Unauthorised camping has proved a difficult issue to resolve and this guidance will help in the development of consistent and sustainable local strategies," he said.

A large unauthorised camp has recently been occupying disused industrial park space at Hampton Lovett, near Droitwich.