We have seen a cadre of women, children, Vanessa Redgrave, two bishops and several protesters/ supporters, but, apart from one male spokesperson, Gratton Puxton, we have see none of the fathers – the bread winners – on parade in the defence of the Dale Farm travellers.
Why is this? Are they not part of the process?
One of the issues that has been highlighted – a lack of electricity if the travelling folk have to revert back to their vehicles – has not stopped them in the past.
Their elderly people existed and coped.
No doubt the offer of council houses, which have been made to those eligible, will be connected to such a supply.
Hospitals will also be in close proximity and we are assured there are plenty of schools to accommodate the children, providing there is a willingness to attend.
The travellers have used an argument for them to stay put on the illegal pitches at Dale Farm the fact that Basildon Council is expected to spend £18m for the eviction.
But how much have the travelling folk used in legal aid through current/ongoing representation which has been based on an aborted premise of settling on green belt land?
It has been pointed out by council leader Tony Ball that the £18m may not be spent if there is a peaceful move.
Surely the moral ground has shifted to the Dale Farm community to prevent the rest of the Basildon community from being forced to use our hard-earned taxes on this case.
Max Aitkins
Roosevelt Road
Laindon
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