The MPs for Nuneaton and North Warwickshire and Bedworth, Marcus Jones and Craig Tracey have made the following statement on the important issue of illegal Gipsy and Traveller encampments following the decision of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to invite them to a Council scrutiny committee on the issue.

'This is a critical issue to local people who just want to see a joined up approach from their politicians to tackle the scourge of illegal encampments. We understand and share local residents’ concerns and we want to agree a permanent solution with our local Council to end the illegal settlements and the misery it has causes to businesses and residents.

'We are more than willing to attend a meeting of the Nuneaton and Bedworth scrutiny committee to discuss illegal Gipsy and Traveller encampments. We are however not able to commit to attending the meeting on the 8th December at 5.00pm as Parliament is sitting on that date and we cannot guarantee our attendance.

'So we hope the best way forward is for NBBC’s Scrutiny Committee to offer an alternative date as soon as possible which will take into consideration the diaries of all participants and the dual role that MPs have in both Parliament and our local area.'