Flashback - A traveller group on land near the Kursaal building in Southend
The Echo has spoken with Chris Smith about his views on challenging the attitudes directed at the travelling community, following news stories about groups pitching up in sites in Southend, Rayleigh and Basildon, and the “Irish Option” making trespassing an illegal act.
Mr Smith is a 59-year-old Romany Gypsy employed in the learning disability care sector for over 30 years, including managing several different care services.
He is an Independent Advisor for Minority Ethnic Groups with the West Mercia Police Service, and is writing his first novel.
Why do you think so much racism is directed at the Traveller community?