A GROUP of travellers could be allowed to stay on a site in Wyre Piddle even though they don't have planning permission, following a controversial decision by the Government.

Wychavon District Council has been left disappointed after the Secretary of State dismissed the travellers' appeal - but only on the grounds of inadequate drainage.

It means that if the drainage system on the site is rectified, they would be able to apply for planning permission and could be allowed to stay in the village.

The news follows Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff's calls for a halt to new traveller sites in Worcestershire and Wychavon.

Wychavon District Council has been locked in legal battles with the group of travellers since they moved on to the site - near Duffledown Farm in Wyre Piddle - in September last year, in defiance of an injunction taken out by the council.

A public inquiry was held after the council refused planning permission for it to become a permanent site, but then Worcester County Court gave permission for four more caravans to move onto the site.

A decision by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been awaited ever since.

Head of planning Gill Collin said: "This is an extremely disappointing result that flies in the face of established planning policies regarding the provision of gipsy sites within the district.

Wychavon District Council's managing director Jack Hegarty lashed out at the Government's latest announcement, saying it was "full of contradictions based on assumptions and not evidence."

"This is a weak and poorly-constructed decision and is a hollow victory for the local community," he said.