The families, who are at sites on Fairfield Road near Poulton and Lancaster Road, Preesall, have infuriated locals, who fear a drop in property prices and an increase in crime.

A protest group has been set up by residents in the Poulton area to oppose the development of the sites.

Both plots have now been hit with court injunctions preventing any further development.

But the travelling groups could now be allowed to stay if their bids to legitimise the sites as residential use are successful. Wyre Council's planning committee is expected to make a decision in around three months.

Patrick Durden, who lives at the Preesall site, told The Gazette: "The plan is that this will allow us to stay, but it's up to the council committee now. There's nothing more to say really and we can stay here while it's decided."

And Chris Collins, from the site near Poulton, said: "All we want to do is make a better life for ourselves and our kids.

"We own the land, we've bought it fairly and squarely and we want to build bridges with the local community."

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE