I have to admit that there are odd gypsy encampments which leave a lot to be desired: there are, however, many that are not and are well run and encompass decent folk.

Seem to remember that someone who should be nameless sent gypsies to concentration camps in the 1930s.

My daughter teaches in a school in Cambridgeshire which has a fairly strong contingent of traveller's children: for the most part they are sweet kids. The odd bad apple, but that happens in all walks of society.

Sorry Jane, but I really am not a great fan of nimbyism: "these" people (along with immigrants) have to go somewhere - at least they are looking after themselves rather than taking up social housing. Most are not eligible for benefits and, as Loo has said, they do pay indirect taxes.