NEWPORT council is going back to the drawing board over the controversial issue of Gipsy and traveller sites.

A shortlist of five potential sites in Newport has been effectively scrapped and a committee is set to review a long list of potential sites following a request from the city council's Labour administration.

It will speak to members of the public to consider the sites suggested, make comments and ask them to suggest their own alternatives.

The council has to identify both permanent and transit sites for inclusion in the local development plan.

In opposition, Labour members had claimed there had been no consultation on the shortlist, revealed in 2011, and had called for a previous list of 200 sites to be examined by a council committee.

However, the list may include some of the old shortlisted sites in Bettws, Lliswerry and Marshfield.

The work will need to be completed by September to meet the LDP timetable.

The scrutiny committee for community planning and development is to look at a new long list of sites, however, as some of those listed on the old one are no longer viable.

Councillor Bob Bright, council leader, said: "We are aware this is a sensitive issue for many reasons and we want to be sure that all potential sites are subjected to thorough and transparent scrutiny as well as extensive consultation."

He said it was "vitally important" the right locations are chosen for the sake of Newport's communities and its Gipsies and travellers.

“Further consultation will allow the public as well as elected members to consider the suggested sites, make comments and suggest alternatives."

A date is yet to be set for the first hearing of the review.