Lancashire's travelling communities could grow in population by 50 per cent by 2016, experts predict.

The North West Regional Assembly (NWRA) has produced a report after investigating the populations of the Gypsy, travelling and travelling showpeople communities.

Officials found that there were 403 authorised pitches on official sites for travelling communities in Lancashire.

But the NWRA said population projection figures indicated an extra 147 pitches would be required by 2011 and 231 by 2016.

The Gypsy and traveller population for the North West stands at 4,750.

The NWRA said it was highlighting the issues in a bid to encourage a more co-ordinated approach from the authorities.

At a conference hosted by the NWRA in Wigan, Michael Gallagher, director of planning, transport and housing for the NWRA, said it was the aim of the assembly to improve the quality of life for all residents of the North West, with no exceptions.

He said: "Doing nothing is no longer an option for local councils.

"The NWRA is in a unique position by being able to directly engage with the separate Gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople communities, encou-rage positive communication and address their needs alongside those of the region.

"These needs will then have to be translated through future reviews of regional and local planning policy and finally into the provision of new sites on the ground.

"The North West has a long-standing Gypsy and traveller community due to our transport links and attractive urban and rural localities.

"There are issues, such as the provision and standards of accommodation, as well as health needs, that need addressing and we believe a cross-authority, co-ordinated approach with the community involved is the best way forward."

The assembly is also liaising with travelling showpeople, via the Showman's Guild, to take a strategic view of site allocation and accommodation for this community.

The NWRA is made up of local government and business, as well as the voluntary and community sector.