THE Daily Echo has received a huge response from readers over the controversial issue of travellers. All this week the we have been running a series of articles and features about travellers and asked for readers' views.

We asked readers if the law should be changed to allow councils to move travellers on more quickly.

And should human rights legislation and the way it is applied be looked at again.

Should councils be released from their obligations to carry out welfare checks on travellers families?

The responses the Echo has received from readers indicated that most residents have little sympathy with travellers.

James Payne of Kinson Road, Bournemouth, said: "I would like to know why we ratepayers have got to contribute to travellers.

"Why does our money have to pay for a travellers' site?

"They have got more money than a lot of people. I think it is absolutely terrible. When we go up to London with our cars and caravans we have to pay for the site so why can't they?"

Ian Meakin from Christchurch, said: "I feel very strongly about this. They don't contribute anything towards the economy of the area.

"They leave a terrible mess which we have to pay for our of our taxes. They draw benefits and harass the neighbours. It is absolutely terrible and the law should be changed."

David Smith of Christchurch said: "As a citizen of Christchurch we have suffered quite a lot from the travellers over a period of time.

"I was quite astounded at some of the stuff the council gypsy liaison officer came out with.

"The least we can expect is a balanced outlook rather than acting as a cheerleader for the travellers."

But Mark Pierson formerly of Ringwood, said: "As a child I grew up visiting my grandmother's farm where a family of gypsies lived in Ringwood.

"They rented a small piece of land from my gran, they worked hard, always kept the cleanest home and always made us welcome.

"They were true gypsies. They paid little or no tax and didn't bother anyone."

Cllr Philip Stanley-Watts, said: "I think the law should be changed. I will be asking about it and calling on Bournemouth Council officers. I will also be writing to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister concerning this."

Most Daily Echo readers backed a change in the law affecting travellers. We asked for your feedback by phone, text message or our web site to the question: Travellers - does the law need changing?

97% of respondents said 'yes' and 7% 'no'.