THE public could have a say on what to do about problems with travellers in Basingstoke.

The borough council’s overview and scrutiny committee has decided to hold a full review of the issue in public, rather than appoint a small team of councillors to look into it.

Questions about how to manage travellers and where to put a transit site will be aired.

Speaking at the committee’s meeting, Councillor Clive Sanders, Cabinet member for community safety, development and transport, said it was an important question.

He added: “This, I know, is going to be an emotional issue for everyone involved, particularly for residents and those affected by it. I think it’s important that it’s dealt with in a deep and thorough way.”

Councillor Andrew McCormick said it was one of the biggest issues in Basingstoke at the moment, adding: “We have had something like 27 encampments this year and it’s produced a massive amount of public correspondence.

“I think we need to get public participation as part of this.

“I would rather have a set-up where we have members of the public asked to give evidence.

“A large number of people have been gravely inconvenienced this year. It’s the worst I have known for 40 years.”

Cllr Jane Frankum said the council needed to think about long-term solutions.

She added: “This is about people’s lives not just now, not just next year but in the future.”

Patricia Hughes, head of community protection, said the original plan to complete the review by February 2010 would need to be redrawn now the full committee was taking part.

A date for any meetings and the nature of public involvement has yet to be decided.