VILLAGERS in Blakeney are up in arms about plans to extend a gipsy site as the council tries to stop a Dale Farm row springing up in the Forest.

Blakeney was one of several sites put forward when officials scoured the district for land to create 26 extra pitches.

Others on the list of possible sites drawn up in early 2010 include a showman's site in Corse and gipsy sites at Redmarley, Mitcheldean, Huntley and Highleadon.

Adolphus Buckland of Blakeney appears to be the first on the list to submit a formal planning application.

He wants to extend the Delkatina site to six caravans so his extended family can live nearby.

But there has been animosity between the family and some neighbours since Mr Buckland was granted planning permission for two caravans in 1988.

Residents have complained about a caravan being bricked in to create a bungalow and they claim a business is being run from the site.

Mr Buckland's application cites a lack of alternative sites for his relatives and villagers fear the council's desperate search for pitches could make it a done deal.

"We are very proud of our area and feel this would be an unwelcome addition to our neighbourhood," said a statement from the residents.

"As we know 26 pitches need to be found within the Forest area. We feel proposals of this nature are through back door procedures and need to be quickly acted upon by the local councils to stop situations like this happening."