A very difficult issue I think, and not easy to know what the answer is. I am another who has to think very carefully as I am also mindful Hitler persecuted this section of society.
We too have problems with groups of travellers in our area from time to time, and yes there is rising crime at these times, and it makes me irate. However I do try to remember making sweeping generalisations is very dangerous.
reading this I recalled that as a child I used to be taken to a large childrens Christmas party each year at our local conservative club by my parents, and used to play happily with another little girl that I looked forward to seeing each year. As I got older I was told that she was from a travelling family, her father operated a funfair, and had some of the rides. This man was very respected, kind and generous. So what I am trying to say is not all of this group of people are tax dodging anti- social oafs.
There is a problem as to where they site themselves, and perhaps this is the answer. for those who don't feel it is, what do you suggest?
To suggest that people are not free to opt for this lifestyle does not sit well with me, that would border on facism. One of the things I value about my country is my right to choose my lifestyle.
The big question really is the funding, but surely this is only the same as providing funds for council houses to be built?
I can se an advantadge in these sites being set up if they are properly regulated, it could help to cut down on benefit fraud tax evasion etc, as maybe there would be records registers etc.
I think we also need to remember there is a massive amount of tax evasion that is done by very affluent business men as well, and that is no less a crime, just not always as obvious.
I agree MollyMandy that there is the same issue of a dirty filthy sink estate, as in a place of beauty. For the decent law abiding people who have no choice but to live in these areas it must be very disheartening.
Again i would say, does anyone have any alternative ideas as to how to solve this problem?