The group is pleading for permission to stay on land they have taken over in Essex, but fury has erupted after it emerged they may already have local authority properties in Wolverhampton’s Low Hill estate.

Angry Essex MP John Baron has demanded a Government inquiry into links between council homes in the city and a convoy illegally living at Crays Hill, Basildon.

The Wolverhampton homes are thought to be in the neighbouring streets of Broome Road, Hawksford Crescent and Fifth Avenue.

Bruce Moore, chief executive of Wolverhampton Homes, which look after housing for the city council, today promised there would be an investigation into the situation.

Tory MP John Baron, who represents Billericay and has vigorously followed the traveller issue, was “flabbergasted” by revelations that several travellers pleading for permission to stay had traded council homes for unauthorised green belt plots.

Some appeared to still be registered in the West Midlands.

The MP has written to Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, calling for an investigation.

The letter stated: “It would appear that some of the travellers trying to remain at Dale Farm have voluntarily given up council housing in Wolverhampton and still retain these homes or are registered to live there.

The planning inspectorate has also been asked to probe the matter.

By Andrew Rea

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