The decision by pubs to find reasons to close before a Gypsy funeral has sparked outrage, disgust and bemusement among locals and travellers.
Pubs in Ewell Village remained closed today - with some planning to stay shut until Friday - to coincide with the funeral of Sylvia Smith, 64, which attracted hundreds of Gypsies come to pay their respects.
Police had alerted publicans to the event, saying they "should expect a large number of extra people in the area as a results" but insisted that they had not instructed them to close.
The funeral procession passes through Ewell today
A non-Gypsy neighbour of Mrs Smith told the Epsom Guardian this morning the bereaved family and visitors had been "as good as gold" with no drinking, mess or disturbance.
Of the pub closures, she said: "It’s a disgrace, there’s no trouble with these people. I think that’s disgusting, they are turning away good business."
A man walks away from the closed Toby Carvery in Ewell
Angelena Smith spoke about her beloved "happy go lucky" cousin and thanked the residents for their "help and support through our bereavement".
When asked about the pub closures, she said: "I think we are probably used to that. Pubs normally close when there is a Gypsy funeral.
"They are a Christian family and don’t drink so it does not particularly bother them."
Clifford Eastwood, a traveller and a relative of Mrs Smith, went to the Toby Carvery today, only to find that it had closed up.
He said: "I’m not happy. It’s sad and pathetic. We’re not animals, we are human beings. We are respectful people. Who wants to have a fight at a funeral?"
He added: "If they can close a pub for a funeral, why not close the racecourse when the Derby’s on?"
His partner said: "It’s outrageous. How can they do that to travellers? But if it was a black person or any other person, it wouldn’t be stood for.
"Don’t judge a person by their background. There’s good and bad in every religion and race."
John Dicker, who had got the bus to the Toby Carvery for a birthday treat today, said: "We have been travelling for an hour to find the place shut. It’s very disappointing."
A sign on the door said the pub will be closed until Friday due to "essential maintenance work", the same reason given by the Famous Green Man.
A notice at the Spring Tavern referred to "unforeseen circumstances".
Debra Parsons, a sales assistant at Pets Choice Supplies in the village, said she tried to take her parents to the Hogsmill, Toby Carvery and Spring Tavern yesterday. All the pubs were closed.
The sign on the Toby Carvery today
She said: "I think in some ways it’s discriminatory. It’s like when you have the Derby and things like that, does anybody shut up shop then? I’m quite shocked really."
Sara Dawson, from cafe and sweetshop All Things Nice, said: "They have kept themselves to themselves.
"The word around the village was that we needed to be concerned, with the pubs closing. But actually it’s been very calm, very peaceful."
Tom Quinton, who was waiting by a bus stop in Ewell today, said he understood why the pubs had closed because he used to work in the brewing industry and said some Gypsies "create mayhem".
Mr Quinton said: "We know they have big celebrations, for a lot of families it’s the only time they meet. We have got to live and let live in this day and age."
A manager at Deli Delight said: "Personally I’m not closing. I have got no qualms. I think you have got to take people on your own experience, not hearsay."
From February 2014: 'Gypsy and traveller sites discussion used as political football'
A man, who watched the funeral procession go past this morning, said he could not blame the pubs for shutting. He said: "I have been there and seen what can happen.
"I think you should not give into people but I understand why they are doing it. It’s probably a bit over the top but understandable."
Notices on the Spring Tavern today
Karen Boatright said: "They would not close the pubs for us, but because they are travellers they do. They have been closed since Monday and during the day. I don’t agree but what can you do."
The sign on the Famous Green Man in Ewell Village
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