French decry British “invasion"

Locals in Britanny have been protesting – including scrawling “Brits out” messages on estate agents’ windows – at British “colonisation” of the French region. The Daily Telegraph reports that hundreds of locals in the town of Bourbriac protested over the weekend, unfurling banners with messages such as “Speculation will milk Brittany dry” and “Brittany not for sale”. The newspaper says that, in the town, a quarter of the 2,700 residents are now British – but recently, “Brits out” slogans appeared on the windows of estate agents and a property lawyer. One local is quoted as saying: “I cannot stand them (the British). It’s not a problem if they come to be part of the community but too many just retire here and take advantage of our health system.” Another added: “They turn their heads from us and don’t exchange small talk in the shops.” Others say they “invasion” has forced locals out of the property market. One said: “I have nothing against the British who learn the language and integrate. But it is bad for community relations if those buying houses get off the ferry with their own bags of cement and tattooed workmen.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd