Mollymandy,
I know what you mean about "not in my backyard" but trust me, the ones near us in Essex - you would NOT want them living near you.
I know there are a lot that get on with their lives and are no trouble to anyone, there was a camp like that where I used to live and you wouldn't have even known they were there.
But the ones I am talking about is the biggest illegal camp in the UK. It has cost us millions for the council to get them moved on, but each time they use their legal aid and the eviction gets postponed.
The poor people that live near them are in despair. I could go on but I won't and what really bothers me is that some while ago they bought a field very close to me. It is greenbelt land and they are not allowed to build on it, but that didn't stop them setting up the ilegal camp they're on now.
Bluebella