TRAVELLERS have been given another six months before they have to quit their site at Southend Lane, Newent.

Today council officials served enforcement notices on the occupants and owners of the site.

But officers from the Forest of Dean District Council have given them until the end of August to comply with planning regulations.

They say this will allow them time to find alternative pitches for their caravans and schools for the children.

The travellers had temporary permission to stay on the site until January 31.

They submitted another planning application before the time ran out and this has yet to be heard.

Planning chiefs said before issuing he notice they undertook a full evaluation of the breaches of planning control and judged that it is necessary and expedient to take action.

Pete Williams, Group Manager for Planning and Housing at Forest of Dean District Council said: "Our officers have today served enforcement notices on the Southend Lane site giving the residents six months to vacate it and allow reinstatement to its original condition as grazing land."