A partnership to help travellers has been agreed by county councillors.

Members of the executive endorsed a collaboration with a variety of agencies and revised existing policy and code of conduct for travellers.

Council executive member Anne Purse said: "I welcome the opportunity to address these issues, in order to get a better deal for both the travelling community and also the settled community."

New legislation, including the 1998 Human Rights Act, highlighted the need for a review of existing policies. It examined ways of balancing the needs of the community with those of travellers at illegal camps and at the council's six permanent sites.

The review team included the council's traveller liaison officer Sally Willan and two police inspectors who have worked with travellers.

The board also agreed to search for a temporary stopping place for travellers and the establishment of a traveller unit, subject to Thames Valley Police Authority's agreement, which would involve a police officer appointed to work with Ms Willan.

A county traveller service strategy is being produced for consultation with all agencies involved with travellers.

Managers are to be given clear advice on how the permanent sites should be managed.

The sites are at Redbridge in Oxford, Standlake, near Witney, Sandford-on-Thames, Oakley Wood, near Benson, East Challow, near Wantage, and Wheatley.