But not all Gypsies are dark-skinned and only about 4m, at most, speak some kind of Romany.

ECONOMIST: Europe��s spectral nation

In Basildon Mr Ball says that he sympathises with the gypsies but all avenues except eviction have been exhausted.

ECONOMIST: Conflicts are growing between gypsies and residents

But not all gypsies are poor.

ECONOMIST: Ion Cioaba

He was president of a state-registered trade union, the unlikely sounding Union of Nomadic Metalworking Gypsies, but this may have arisen simply because his clanspeople were metalworkers.

ECONOMIST: Ion Cioaba

The International Roma Union tries to redress that problem by speaking on the gypsies' behalf, but many of the delegates themselves are unelected.

BBC: Gypsies mull their plight

Mr Loughton said "surely, if anything, it would be the act of identifying the term with Romany Gypsies that could be construed as racist" but that was down to his constituent "not me".

BBC: MP Tim Loughton 'sacks' constituent after racism row

But, fearful of a stampede of benefit-seeking Roma (Gypsies), Britain is toughening eligibility rules for benefits.

ECONOMIST: Unsettling the settlers

Some residents in the proposed areas have shown concern but the council said it has a "statutory obligation" to provide accommodation or sites for gypsies and travellers.

BBC: Beds, Herts & Bucks

Ever since their homes were destroyed during the war six years ago, more than 500 Roma (Gypsies) have been living in makeshift camps set up by the UN next to a disused - but contaminated - lead smelter in Mitrovica, northern Kosovo.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Toxic camp angers Kosovo Roma