SUITABLE sites for travellers are being earmarked by council officers in Fareham.

But officials are remaining tight-lipped over where they might be.

As part of a joint initiative with other authorities in the south, a number of potential sites are being identified as suitable for temporary gypsy encampments.

If "transient" sites are set up across the south it will mean evictions from privately owned and council land will be sped up as the travellers can be moved to specified areas.

The panel of local authorities was set up in response to the escalating cost to councils of dealing with illegal encampments.

So far this year 18 incidents of illegally camped travellers have been reported to Fareham council.