The wheel of fortune is spinning again for gypsies accused of causing mayhem every time they visit the borough.

New guidelines released by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) suggest all local authorities should "seriously consider" identifying acceptable temporary stopping places -- at the moment Barnet has none.

This time last year Cricklewood's Beacon Bingo manager said he was so concerned for customers' safety when travellers moved into his car park, he ended up paying £25,000 for round-the-clock security. He said at the time: "I know the travellers are human beings and I accommodated them this time, but I'd rather they went somewhere else."

Speaking at the National Association of Gypsy and Traveller Officers, DETR minister Nick Raynsford said: "The majority of gypsies and travellers cause few problems to anyone and have a perfect right to carry on their nomadic lifestyle in peace. But there is a minority who make other people's lives a dreadful misery, not only through the rubbish they leave behind but because of antisocial and sometimes criminal activity by some individuals."

Suggestions to be developed further include plans for local authorities and police to draw up written statements of their policies towards unauthorised camping. These would be made available to gypsies and travellers.

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