GYPSY leader Billy Welch has spoken about the threats his community faces for a new documentary.

Explorer Ed Stafford spent time living on the road for the Channel 4 documentary 60 Days with the Gypsies.

It was aimed at taking a look at stereotypes about the Travelling community and the conflict between Gypsies and the settled community, as well as the Government’s proposed new police powers which are feared will make their traditional way of life more difficult.

Billy Welch, from Darlington, the Shera Rom, or head Gypsy, took part in the documentary, spending time with the film crew at Appleby Fair and in Darlington.

Read more: Cherry Valentine speaks out about growing up as gay in Darlington's traveller community

He invited Mr Stafford and the crew to see the gated camp which he designed and now lives, on land leased from the council.

He said: “I’ve got a waiting list. More and more people are moving into chalets and settling down. They’re not as nomadic. It’s the way the world’s gone. 90 per cent live in houses now.”

The gated site where travellers can maintain their traditions was making life easier, said Mr Welch. But their nomadic tradition is under threat, he added.

He said: “It making life a bit more bearable and its more tolerable, it’s easier.

“The nomadic way of life where we just pull up on the side of the road and travelling about has become too difficult.

He added: “It’s not so much the end of the Gypsies but it’s the end of a way of life.”

Mr Welch has previously spoken to The Northern Echo about trying to stem the growing tide of racism directed at Travellers and his fears that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill could threaten the future of their way of life and the Appleby Fair ­– the most important event in the community’s calendar.

Discussing a fight at Appleby Fair, he told Mr Stafford: “Even if we go to the police now they slam their doors in our faces. We have to have our own rules and regulations and say this is how we settle it."

He added: "In the last four or five years that is the only fight I can think of. On an average night out in any small town there's a lot more trouble than there is in a week at Appleby.

“Yes, our young men do daft things but what young men don't? We’re not perfect people, but there’s no such thing.

“But why do the settled community judge us so harshly constantly? It’s a constant balancing job, trying to make the settled community happy and trying to make my own people happy.

“There has to be give and take. It’s not easy but I’ve got to try."

Read more: Darlington Gypsy leader fears Appleby Fair could be under threat from new law

As part of the production team, Boundless has brought on Jake Bowers, a Romani journalist and filmmaker, as a consultant to help navigate the issues in an authentic and sensitive way.

Mr Stafford said: ‘'Like homelessness, Gypsy and Travelling communities are often shrouded in negativity despite very little understanding and I want to learn more.  I have no qualms about immersing myself in every ritual, tradition and aspect of the culture in order to get to know the individuals and unpick the existing stereotypes.”

Neil Smith, managing director of Boundless said: “Ed’s raw and honest portrayal of life on the streets struck a chord with the British public and we’re back to tell another important story of a marginalised community from their perspective.”

Ian Dunkley, Commissioner, Factual Entertainment at Channel 4 said, “The series promises to bring an authentic and revelatory take on an often misunderstood section of society. By living with, and alongside, different Travelling communities Ed can give a unique insight into the challenges they face in their everyday lives.”

60 Days with the Gypsies is available to watch on www.channel4.com

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