Letter: Lack of Traveller Sites Has Serious Consequences

Published on: 25 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 25 Sep, 2017

From Thomas McCarthy

In response to: Police Commissioner Calls For Coordinated Approach to Traveller

The issue of having not enough places for Travellers to stay is urgent. The situation is dire.

I have found that attitudes have become more poisonous and far more aggressive in the last year, or so. It’s stressful enough just getting a place to stop without the whole community coming out screaming racist comments and frightening little children.

This, may I add, has a devastating effect on them and before they have even reached school age they learn about racism. It leaves some nervous and depressed. Many, despite having been born locally, are made to feel like outsiders, rejected by local communities.

This all boils down to the serious issue of not having places to stay. I thank the police commissioner for drawing attention to this.