Anger at mess as Travellers claim new site - Inverness

From the Inverness Courier

Pressure is growing on Highland Council to make urgent provision of designated sites for Travellers as another unauthorised encampment sprang up in a residential area in Inverness.

Travellers have returned in recent days to Culduthel Avenue - the location last year of an illegal camp which prompted complaints including the amount of rubbish created.

It follows other recent unauthorised camps at various locations across the city including Inverness Retail Park where the landowners, Inverness Estates, are now faced with clearing up mountains of rubbish left behind.

"We’re concerned that the Travellers have again picked on our site," said a spokesman. "But locking it is pointless as they just cut the locks and we understand that if they do so, the police policy is not to charge them with breaking and entering.

"The council’s policy of non-harassment is also an issue, as that leads to them feeling they can go where they like with impunity. They left some mess on their most recent ‘visit’ and we’d certainly like to see the authorities send a message that our site is not ‘open house’ for travellers."

Travellers also set up a camp earlier this year by the Highland Archive Centre in Bught Park after bypassing stone large boulders which had been installed by the council at a cost of £15,000 to prevent such access. Other locations have included the Smithton roundabout and Inshes Retail Park.

Ness-side councillors Norrie Donald and Jean Slater - whose ward includes Culduthel Avenue - have now added their voices to the growing calls for proper provision for Travellers’ sites.

"We need to do something now," said Councillor Donald who acknowledged the difficulties in identifying the right location.

"There will be people who moan and groan and say ‘not in my back yard’," the Independent councillor said. "I can understand where they are coming from but if we can find a permanent site for these people, so much the better. Also, if we put in big skips, it would mean time would not be spent clearing up afterwards."

Councillor Donald was concerned to hear the Travellers had returned to Culduthel Avenue. "It is not an appropriate place," he said.

His SNP colleague also believes there is an urgent need for sites for travelling people in the Inverness area - and elsewhere.

"I think where the site is located has to be handled sensitively" Councillor Slater said. "It is something we need to look at in depth. But I am sure a solution can be found."

Last year’s encampment in Culduthel Avenue prompted a flurry of complaints including difficulties for pupils accessing the nearby Inverness Royal Academy and rubbish left behind.

One resident now fears a repeat episode after two caravans arrived over the weekend. "We are not happy about them being there because the Travellers left so much mess last year," said the resident who did not wish to be named. "There should be large stones or pillars on the old road entrance to stop it being used as a dumping site."

Council officers visited the camp yesterday to establish if it is on council-owned land.

The need for more short stay sites is identified in the Inner Moray Firth local development plan for which the deadline for public responses is Friday. Potential locations include Stratton Point, off the A96 between Seafield and Milton, Inverness Airport and Torvean Quarry off the A82.

"People have had a chance to look at the proposals," said a council spokeswoman. "After the closing date, we need to have a look at what people are saying."