IF my information is correct, the Forest of Dean District Council has to make available 16 sites for use by gipsies in the Forest of Dean.

Two thoughts. Why is a matter of such public concern left to be circulated by word of mouth and rumour when the council spends serious money taking out full page adverts informing us of lesser matters?

Rumour has it that the council is looking at sites in Mitcheldean, Lydney and Longhope. There might be other sites. Who knows?

Secondly, my proposal is that the council place the sites on the industrial estates that they own. This has many advantages.

1: It would avoid the many public inquiries if the sites are proposed on private land or near dwellings. Just imagine the cost, the allegations of racism, and the time involved if such inquiries are held.

2: The necessary services, electrical, water and sewage will be already available.

3: If the gipsies start to use the sites for illegal purposes such as the sorting and storage of scrap, the council as owners of the sites, will have immediate control, whereas if the sites are on private land the council will have to try and get the private owners to enforce the regulations. Just place yourself in the position of a private owner trying to stop a gipsy 'just trying to make an honest living, sir.'

4: If the sites become littered with rubbish where any one person cannot be blamed, the council already have a permanent workforce to clean the site. So, Mr and Mrs Public, may I suggest that you ask your local councillor if there are to be sites in your area and ask them to explain why the council cannot make use of their own (ours really) industrial sites.

A Ratepayer (name and address supplied).

PS: I genuinely do not want my comments to be construed as racist. I have been in gipsy homes that could be classed as little palaces, and their owners would be an asset to any community. Unfortunately there are some in any group who let down the majority and the travelling people, by their travelling lifestyle are more difficult to trace and they therefore attract some people who because of their untraceability behave badly. So public, 'be prepared.' Past experience shows that your council will not be.