ERIC Pickles, the Communities Secretary, does not generally endear himself to local authorities.

But on the thorny issue of travellers he might just turn out to be a friend of local government – or some councils at least. He has indicated in Parliament that there is no restriction on Bournemouth and Poole sharing a transit site with neighbouring authorities – which effectively means Dorset.

But political leaders at County Hall might well have their own views on providing the solution for councils who can’t – or won’t – find one for themselves.