VILLAGERS living close to the showmen have urged the council to reconsider its decision to force the travelling families out of Holmer Green.

Keith Spratt, 62, has sent letters to Chiltern District Council and the planning inspectors. Mr Spratt, of Orchard Park, said: "They are the nicest folk. I think it would be a tragedy if they were forced out. They have not been any trouble and nobody has a bad word to say about them."

Mr Spratt first met the showmen when he was working on an allotment in Earl Howe Road opposite the Greenacres site last year. He has since become good friends with them and asked them for help when he moved into the village from Tylers Green three months ago.

He said: "Like most people, when they first arrived I was concerned and I took all the tools out of my shed. But they are all really friendly, hard-working people."

Lynne Pack, whose home in Orchard Park backs onto the showmen's site, said: "I have never had any problems with them. Holmer Green has a good community feel and they have added to that. They use the shops and go to church."

Retailers in Holmer Green have also voiced their support for the mild-mannered showmen they say have become a part of the village community.

Debra Bass, manager of the Spar supermarket in Turners Place, said many of the showmen shop in her store.

She said: "At first people were worried. My children were too scared to go out and play. But once we got to know them they have been fine. I don't think they have been any problem. I haven't heard anybody moan about them. I think most people have realised they are a nice bunch. It would be a real shame if they had to move on."

Hilary Sichel, a pharmacist at Fox Pharmacy in Turners Place, said: "A lot of people thought they were gypsies without really knowing what to expect. I think there is a real worry that if they do leave we might get some travellers move onto the site. We have had travellers here before and they are a lot worse."