So my quiet town had a visit from our traveller 'friends' this week and

[AndThatsWhatIThinkOfYou]

They wonder why people are so against them setting up camp where ever they please.

They arrived last Wednesday on a football field with a park and caused a whole load of trouble, for example, going to the petrol station handing over euros, being told they won't accept euros as payment, they simple got in their vans and drove of.

Made a visit to our local Sainsburys got caught shoplifting, were locked in until police were called.

Local children playing on park got beaten up with sticks by the traveller children.

And to top it all of 3 vans pulling up outside a local pub, very busy, dropping their trousers and all three disgusting men casually took a shit one by one on the pub doorstep. Got in there vans and drove of.

Then left the football field and park in an absolute mess. Rubbish everywhere.

Each incident police were called but nothing has been done.

So AIBU to wonder why travellers think this behavior is acceptable? and why can't anything be done to stop it?

My point?

I haven't read the entire thread but I have to say that sadly I've had no positive experiences either.
A close friend had some travellers suddenly appear on her family's land. Removing them was virtually impossible. The land is used for the families business so it caused them real problems. The travelling community were extremely threatening to the point where under cover police had to attend my friend's wedding. It was vile.

We also had a few travellers on our local playground. The children were frequently in the newsagents swearing and looking at all the top shelf magazines and making crude comments (these kids were about 8 or 9) and when they left they left loads of rubbish behind on the playground.

I don't mind them travelling or even using public sites. I agree that it must be a tough life. But why are they above the law? Why can't they take some of the rubbish with them? There was all kinds of stuff left behind when they went and masses of dog mess. I'm not against anyone having their own beliefs and culture but surely this isn't part of anyone's culture? I'm sure not all travellers are like this but unfortunately I do think quite a number are, and actually having also worked with traveller children, I think they grow up with quite an entitled attitude. Basically any attempt to reprimand them for anything (think spitting, throwing food) was met with a 'but it's our way miss' and a smirk.

Family's business. Not families.

If they pitch illegally they don't pay council tax.

Well yes your point.

People who live on long term sites are liable for CT as are people who live in houses.

Some people are not liable for CT.

Some people who are liable evade payment lots of those evaders live in houses.

People who do not live in properties subject to CT don't pay it because they don't have to.some of these people may be travellers some may not be.

You won't be able to live in your static caravan for 12 months a year. That's why you don't pay CT on it. You also are liable for CT on your main residence. Somewhere, somehow you contribute to your local economy. Unless you're a travelling traveller.

MrsDeVere

Do you pay ground rent like my friend which goes towards site maintenance?

If you don't pay council tax bills you will get a summons and end up in prison so people generally do.

Anybody pitching or staying long enough to use hard pressed services paid for by locals should be made to pay for them.If damage and extra expense is caused clearly they should pay extra but neither obviously happens.Fair I don't think so which is why I hope Pickles new proposals will go further.Don't often praise the Tories but on this they're moving in the right direction.

I think that would be fairer if they are able to pay.

Willing & able are often two very things.

The Tories are investing in permanent sites but tightening up re illegal camps which are increasing and blighting green belt.It will be harder to set up illegally and easier to ensure council tax is paid.Win,win imvho.

Hopefully the expansion of permanent sites will be done in consultation with traveller groups, and with due regard to traditional routes of travel, seasonal requirements etc.

Considering the millions that it will cost in these cash strapped times I hope said sites will be where they are as affordable as possible.

Yes I hope there is consultation ie consultation re the funding of said project in order to get some financial contribution.

As the project is costing the tax payer £60 million.

The way you envisage it, Retropear, will never work. If you insist on locating sites in the most affordable areas without providing sites in places where travellers actually need/want to travel, illegal sites will continue. I thought you were against illegal sites?

but who is going to allow planning permission? cos most locals probably wouldn't....

Laws are being tightened alongside so they can be moved on quicker so I'm sure it will work.

Re saving money,I doubt it if they're not paying council tax,some cause extra expense re clearance,children need extra support(children in my class had a liaison worker and extra assistant help).They caused an element of disruption on top.Untreated medical issues cause extra expense in the long run.

Oh we do get to choose- at the ballot box thankfully.