A CALL for tougher legislation against travellers has received mixed reactions from the borough's top politicians.

MP for Ealing, Clive Soley, has given his support to the Trespassers on Land (Liability for Damage and Eviction) Bill, which was scheduled to have its second reading before the House of Commons on Friday, May 10, but will now be heard on July 19, but the MP for Ealing North, Stephen Pound, doesn't think that more legislation is the answer.

The Bill is designed to clampdown on the behaviour of travellers and to strengthen the powers of those who have to deal with the problems.

Stephen Pound believes there is already adequate legislation under Section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to deal with anti-social travellers.

"The police have all the law that they need but what they don't have is sheer physical manpower to evict travellers.

"The police will not go on to a travellers site unless they have the adequate backing. I am not convinced that legislation is the answer," he said.

The proposals include making all travellers individually responsible for damage, reducing the six-vehicle minimum required for police to evict travellers and closing a loophole by permitting eviction from land forming part of a highway.

Commenting on the Bill, Clive Soley said: "I don't have an objection for travellers being made responsible for any damage that they cause.

"In practice, it is often difficult to prove any damage caused by travellers but if this Bill is approved, we wouldn't rule it out."

Ealing Council confirmed it would welcome the Private Members' Bill, should it be passed.

A spokesperson for Ealing Council said: "Currently, the council has a policy and a joint police protocol to deal with illegal encampments.

"If the Bill is passed, the council will incorporate the additional powers."