I have to reply to yet another misinformed and bigoted member of the public (December 19).

Most Travellers in this country are Roma, Irish or Scottish in origin, were born into their nomadic lifestyle and so did not choose it.

Of the so-called "New Travellers", many are now not so new and are of second and third generation, also born into their lifestyle.

Of those who have chosen this way of life, in a survey commissioned by the Childrens Society on New Travellers, more than 80 per cent had been forced into their lifestyle by homelessness, family breakdown or financial problems.

Another survey found more than 70 per cent of travellers either worked or were self-sufficient.

They pay the same taxes as the rest of the population, so they do not receive services "free".

-Ms K. Green, New Futures Association, Wellgreen Lane, Kingston near Lewes