We all have to be somewhere says Darlington Gypsy Billy Welch as research reveals lack of pitches We all have to be somewhere says Darlington Gypsy as research reveals lack of pitches THE Gypsy and Traveller community is pleading with authorities that everyone needs a place to live following research showing the shocking lack of places for families. A report by Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) reveals that whilst over 1696 households are currently on waiting lists for pitches, there are just 59 permanent and 42 transit pitches available nationwide. Billy Welch, the country s Gypsy spokesman who lives in Darlington, praised the provisions across the borough and North-East, but said the picture is different in other areas of the country and called for more to be done to future-proof sites.