THE fate of a controversial Wiltshire gipsy site now lies with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Travellers moved into the site in Sambourne Road, Minety, about 18 months ago.

The gipsies submitted two planning applications, both of which have been thrown out by North Wiltshire District Council.

The council then tried to get a High Court injunction to turf the gipsies out, but the court delayed it for the gipsies to have time to submit extra evidence.

Earlier this month it said that while the gipsies had flouted planning rules, uprooting them would cause suffering.

A public inquiry has been scheduled for February because the 55 travellers are appealing against the council's decision not to let them stay. Meanwhile they have a stay of execution and remain on the camp.

Minety residents are outraged and say house prices have plummeted.

The case was to be judged by a planning inspector, but Mr Prescott will now make the decision based on an inspector's report.

The reason for this was that the appeal relates to proposals giving rise to "significant public controversy".

North Wiltshire District Council's deputy leader Doreen Darby said: "In my view the supreme importance of the Minety site has now been accepted by the Government.

"The council's actions in fighting and highlighting this case have been vindicated by news that the first secretary of state will now determine this appeal."