THERE is no way that I can possibly begin to put into words the pain and distress your comment (LET, August 20) caused the residents (Jack Straw's constituents) of Ewood caravan site in Blackburn.

I wish to know what known crime has been committed recently? Where is the 'caravan load of proof' at Ewood? You are either totally misinformed or totally ignorant.

Mr Straw could be forgiven for his comments, but you have accused and cast aspersions on the totally innocent.

I am the minister of a Pentecostal church on the site. We have strong links with the Rev Herrick Daniel, Vicar of St Barnabas Church and a Canon of Blackburn Cathedral.

The residents of the site are born again Christians, who have just got used to suffering as Christians. Now, they must undergo hatred because of their race too. I think before you start to accuse people you, like Mr Straw, need strong evidence.

The damage is done. You have damaged the reputation and links with the locals at Ewood and the residents on the site. By singling out the residents on the site your ignorance and bias has been passed on to your readers.

Ask the police about drug problems, prostitution, child abuse, murder, theft, robbery, deception on the site. I know that if you had said the same about the Roman Road estate, or Shadsworth, you would be looking for new employment.

Thank you for making tomorrow that little bit harder for the travelling community.

REV M SHEPHERDSON (a gypsy).

Footnote: Not once did we mention the Ewood site. Like Jack Straw, we were referring to the minority of travellers - note we did not say gypsies - who give the rest a bad name. We have many cuttings in our library, going back years, of trouble caused by inconsiderate and criminal travellers - Editor.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.