I was directed to this thread from Twitter where it has been referred to has 'small minded' and ''ridiculous' so well done everyone! Firstly, I have had direct experience with the traveler community, both professionally and personally and whilst many of the negative accusations may be, on occasion, true I would also say that they could be applied to many sections of the community at some time or another. Things are stolen, crimes are committed, rubbish is dumped, arguments break out whether there is a traveler presence in a community or not. But oh, aren't they an easy and convenient target when they do appear? On that note the traveler community have, on occasion, been taken advantage of by local (disreputable) builders and fly tippers who dump their rubbish next to traveler camps knowing that the blame with be placed firmly at their door without question, as demonstrated so beautifully by many here. And I have seen the worst tyre tracks left after the circus pitches up in the park, but hey, it's the circus, how lovely! (and the park recovers) Lastly re read some of these posts and substitute the term 'Syrian refugees' for 'travelers'.... it IS racist...don't dress it up as community concern.
