I HAVE read in your paper a letter from a resident of Molesworth regarding the proposed traveller s camp in Molesworth (Letters, August 13). As a resident of Molesworth for some 10 years I have to say that I did not recognise the description given of the

I HAVE read in your paper a letter from a resident of Molesworth regarding the proposed traveller's camp in Molesworth (Letters, August 13).

As a resident of Molesworth for some 10 years I have to say that I did not recognise the description given of the village by the correspondent.

I remember when I first moved here there was a thriving community group with events at the village hall, Guy Fawkes nights on the green with local residents bringing hot mulled wine to pass out to the crowd.

It was an extremely neighbourly place. This was, of course, until political correctness took hold and the cost of insurance prohibited these events. I have to say that I was never a great participant in these events. However, it was always-heart warming to see others enjoying themselves.

Your correspondent talks of speeding and parties. This is utter nonsense. There have been two weddings in the time that he has lived here, and who would begrudge a little noise at such a joyous occasion?

As for parties, the last that I remember that was of any volume was a few years ago on someone's 18th birthday, and again I would repeat what I have said above.

As I live adjacent to that event and had to pass drunken teenagers at my gate, I would have more reason than most to complain, but I remember what it was like to be 18.

Speeding? There was a time not so long ago that a particular gentleman of the village would ride his lawn mower down to the pub. We see only two or three cars a day through here, so what is he talking about?

With regard to the travellers: this is a conservation area. You cannot get planning permission here to build a shed without a lot of rigmarole. If I wished to build a caravan park in the field behind me, would I get permission? No, of course not, so why should anyone else?

For me this has nothing to do with the fact that they are travellers. They are people who wish to construct a caravan park at a place where no one would, or should, be allowed to do so.

Then of course there is the race card that I believe is being played here. Your correspondent states that the village is opposed to travellers. While I am in no position to speak for the village, I would say that there are a number of issues here.

To my mind this is the most significant point: Travellers claim that they are a minority group, an ethnic group. Their single most identifiable characteristic is that they travel.

I am a member of the group settler. To be a member of this group I bought a house and subscribe to the laws and conditions pertaining to this group.

Therefore to be a traveller a prerequisite of this group is that you travel: otherwise you are a settler, and this requires that you reside in a fixed dwelling and subscribe to those laws, including planning permission.

I can't help but wonder how much consideration the travellers would give our rights if the boot were on the other foot.

TREVOR SMITH

Mole End

Molesworth