A ROMANY gipsy church leader says people in South Bucks are the most prejudiced in the UK.

The Rev Terry Hurst, of the Full Gospel Romany Church International, based in Plomer Green Avenue, Downley, told an equalities advisory group on Tuesday: 'High Wycombe is the worst district in the UK that seems to be prejudiced against gipsies. There isn't a site in High Wycombe, I wonder why?'

He said: 'I am more than concerned about the prejudice there is toward Romany Gipsies and other travellers. The Irish travellers are the same as you. They are what we call Gauga. Genteel to be exact. I am here tonight to represent the gipsies that come through Bucks and not to ask for preferential treatment but equality.'

He told the meeting at Wycombe District Council offices that he knew of children that had been bullied at school when other pupils found they were gipsies

Wycombe district councillor John Dalton said: 'I was brought up with a respect for Romany people.

'But I must share the concerns of my constituents. You only have to see the mess which has been left by travellers and the idea of knocking on doors asking for work. I get feedback saying there has been a certain amount of shoddy work.'

Cllr Tony Green (Con, Green Hill and Totteridge) said: 'There is probably prejudice and certainly confusion among most people of the differences between Romanys and other travellers. I have had within my ward travellers come on land and when they leave there is a lot of clearing up to do afterwards and that does concern local people. It is sad that people's annoyance with one group of people means they consider all travellers in that group.'

Ranjit Dheer, of Wycombe Race Equality Council, said he would welcome a meeting with the Romany people to combat the problem. David Picken, head of community services for Wycombe District Council, said they have no legal duty to provide a site.

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