FOR too long Watford has been seen as a soft touch by travellers who bring misery to the town.

How many more attacks like the vicious beating of a security guard at Office World must there be before the council decides to clamp down on this lawless community?

Neighbouring authorities are not so tolerant - Three Rivers for instance acts to remove travellers the moment they transgress.

But Watford leaves businesses to foot the bill for evictions - a process that is slow and costly.

Of course, while this remains the policy, travellers will continue to target the town safe in the knowledge their stay will not be rapidly ended by the council.

It is about time the authority grasped the nettle and protected tax-paying businesses and individuals instead of pandering to this community that has abused the district for too long.

It may not be politically correct to point the finger at travellers but when law-abiding citizens are attacked and their businesses threatened it is surely time to act.

If it is right for other local authorities to invoke the powers granted to them by Government why can't Watford?

By ignoring its right to apply for orders to evict trespassers it is effectively laying a welcome mat at the borders of the town.

The council claims staff are placed in an "onerous" position by requests to crack down on travellers.

Councillor Fred Hodgson said of the issue: "When the law changed a few years ago we decided to put the onus on owners and support them with help and advice."

Well Mr Hodgson what kind of "help and advice" would you offer the security guard beaten with planks of wood?"

Watford Council has got to take responsibility for this borough and protect the businesses that bring so much prosperity to the town.

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