Gypsy speaks out following A66 mud chaos in Darlington - County Durham

From the Northern Echo

A GYPSY pastor has responded to complaints after a busy section of the A66 was closed this morning (Thursday, May 23) to rush-hour traffic because of mud on the road.

Debris left by vehicles visiting the huge Christian gathering combined with wet weather meant the section of the A66 Darlington bypass was closed from 12.30am until shortly after 1pm this afternoon.

The Light and Life Mission - involving hundreds of Gypsy families - set up camp in an adjacent field on Monday for a four day gospel meeting.

Drivers had to be diverted and faced severe delays when the A66, between the Great Burdon roundabout and Lingfield Point roundabout, until Highways Agency stay could clear away the debris.

One driver, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s plainly ridiculous that the police had to close off this stretch of the A66 to clear up after what was a private event.

“The land owner and whoever organised this gathering should be charged the costs of the clean-up.

“Questions should also be asked about whether the highways authorities were properly consulted about the amount of traffic that would attend.

“It was dangerous at times with cars parked on both sides of the carriageway and pedestrians dodging between traffic.”

Alex, a Gypsy pastor and member of event organisers the Light and Life Mission, responded to complaints.

“You don’t see this kind of reaction when there has to be a clean up after a bonfire at South Park or after The Hoppings or festivals like Glastonbury," he said.

“This mud was not caused by Gypsies, it is just what happens with a large event and bad weather. It is part of life, we do not live in a perfect world.

“The police have been very complimentary towards us and said they are thankful for our efforts in managing traffic ourselves.

“We have been working with the police and the Highways Agency and doing everything we can and everything has been fantastic. It has been a very successful event with no incidents.

“Mud will come and go but there are dedicated people here helping others to learn Christian ways and if the rest of the world did the same it would be a better place.”