Court Change Urged On Travellers - Dundee

From Dundee City Council

Following a number of illegal encampments by Travellers over the summer, Dundee City Council depute policy and resources convener Councillor Willie Sawers is to ask COSLA and the Scottish Government to consider changes to speed up the procedure for court hearings.

Councillor Sawers said: "Communities across Dundee have expressed frustration at the time it takes for cases to be heard in court and I am not fully convinced that the current process protects the interests of local people properly.

"On a number of occasions this summer, Travellers showed a disregard for local people and communities across the city.

"The time delay between us serving court papers on an illegal encampment and the case being called in court is too long. We want that process to happen much quicker so that any situation can be resolved as soon as possible.

"I asked officers of the council to look at the issue in some detail, and I am told that if, the court rules were changed so the case could be heard on the same day, then the current delays could be avoided.

"I am sure that changes to speed up procedures would also be welcomed by private landowners who have suffered similar problems and have to take action themselves to get Travellers removed.

"Travellers are always advised about the council facilities that are available for them at Balmuir Wood.

"But we recognise that we need to review the facilities we provide to Travellers to establish why some Travellers prefer to camp illegally than use our site at Balmuir Wood.

"I have already stated that we will be asking COSLA to look at this issue with the Scottish Government and I feel we have identified a sensible and realistic way forward."