year's agreement which allowed them first preference in picking their site.

Permits for sites at Ferry Point, Coney Island and Chaplin Bay will now be sold on a first come, first served basis after problems cropped up in the first summer of the new policy.

Those who had camped for more than 12 years were given the option of picking their own spot for the first time last year.

But Parks Officer Craig Burt said his Department was forced to revert to the old policy.

He said: "There were instances of people walking through sites and being told by other campers that they were coming through their territory. They felt as if they owned it. Park Rangers called around the regular campers and there has been no negative feedback so far about going back to the old policy.'' Mr. Burt said queues were possible when the camping permits go on sale from the Park Rangers' Office in the Botanical Gardens from 7 a.m. on May 1.

He said: "Some campers used to queue up at 5 a.m. to get their favourite site.

"Some people switch sites with each other. If they want a particular site they buy the other camper out.'' The camping fee is $5 per night with a $50 deposit which is lost if the site is littered.

For details call the Park Rangers on 236-5902 or 236-4201.