SIR - Perry Austin-Clarke`s Editorial in the T&A, March 13 gave a voice to representatives of travelling communities without putting counter views or arguments up. I feel his article fell short by not discussing the following.

The British have always generally been considered a tolerant and fair society so travelling communities have a right to live their lives as they see fit along with everyone else. Alongside this tolerance and acceptance goes responsibilities we all have to maintain a functioning society.

There have been many instances over time of travellers not buying into this idea. Despite having fixed locations for staying provided, other land has been illegally used and left with rubbish and damage that others have to pay to clear up. This is a responsibility laid at the wrong door notwithstanding whether sufficient locations are provided or are all used.

At this point the question arises, do travelling communities pay, in particular, local taxes like fixed location householders for the services they get? Mr Austin-Clarke should have explored and informed in his article on such questions to make it more balanced rather than allow the impression of the travellers being always victims.

Philip Crowther, Beckfield Road, Bingley