Woodham Ferrers and its surrounding villages have been turned upside-down for the second time in as many years. The Light and Life Gypsy Church gathering may have the facade of a friendly Christian event but first appearances are often deceiving. The village residents and its businesses have had to endure utter turmoil at the hands of Mr Richardson who is the landowner that has permitted the events.

This is a petition that will be presented to the local council to demonstrate that everyone who has signed it wants this event to stop and Mr Richardson prevented from doing what many consider to be attacking the heart of our community. The daily lives of the residents have been disrupted by noise, litter, and anit-social behaviour. Our community cannot service such an event.

The police have been overwhelmed with the strain on resources that a no-notice event like this throws up. They have had to advise local pubs and restaurants to shut early resulting in serious losses. Police services are paid for by the community through their taxes. However the police do have powers to charge for "special police services". This petition will also be presented to the local police force to demonstrate that the community feels that it should not have to pay for this out of its already stretched pockets.

This is not a moaning NIMBY petition, nor is it a lynching mob, but a community that is crying out for help and is nearing destruction point.