From Inverclyde Now
COUNCIL officials are recommending that Inverclyde creates an official site at Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow for Travellers and Gypsies.
The site would be for up to 12 pitches with initial costs of £50,000 to create an area of hard standing and a water supply.
Councillors will consider the proposal at a meeting next week. If they agree, then there would be public consultation, and planning permission would also be needed -- if that was granted it would take a further 12 to 18 months to establish the site.
A report to the policy and resources committee states: “The frequent establishment of unauthorised Gypsies/Travellers encampments across various unsuitable sites has caused disruption and negative comment.
“It is the view of the corporate management team that the establishment of an official transit site in the area may provide a solution to allow greater harmony in community relations with visiting Gypsies/Travellers to the area, and increase the powers of Inverclyde Council to direct Gypsies/Travellers away from unsuitable sites.
“Particularly challenging issues have arisen from the establishment of unauthorised encampments at sensitive sites, which has restricted use of these sites by the general public. Some upgrading works have already been carried out on securing these.”
At Newark Castle car park, two height restriction barriers, CCTV cameras and improved lighting have been provided. There are now plans to introduce parking and overnight camping restrictions and change the layout making it inaccessible to articulated vehicles.
Kelburn Park is suggested for the official transit site because it is not near houses, screening could be put up, there is good access from the A8, it is owned by the council and is frequently used by Travellers. A section of the park beside the A8 would be ‘cordoned–off’ from general public use to accommodate the facility.
An area of hard standing would be needed and a fresh water supply, along with a secure area to store and collect rubbish. The council would also need to arrange delivery and collection of portable toilets when encampments are set up, at an estimated cost of £6,500 a year.
Officials concede: “It is highly likely that any proposal to establish an official transit site will attract strong negative reaction from local communities, and local media regardless of location, and will require sensitive handling.”
Use of unauthorised sites in Inverclyde has resulted in regular complaints from the public and councillors about alleged illegal dumping of garden and commercial waste and unhygienic disposal of human waste.
Eight sites have been used by Travellers in the past few years – including an area behind shops at the Greenock Waterfront retail park, the former Gantock Hotel site and Faulds Park in Gourock; and Newark Castle, Newark slipway, Parklea and Woodhall, all in Port Glasgow.
The report continues: “The most recent unauthorised encampment at Woodhall was unusually large in numbers, and the spring/summer of 2012 saw a marked increase in the frequency of encampments being established.”
Discussions were held about the possibility of establishing a joint transit facility with three neighbouring authorities (Glasgow City, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire) but “it became clear that there was no appetite from neighbouring authorities to develop any such joint proposal.”
Officials add: “The absence of official alternative provision creates considerable obstacles for the council to take steps to direct Gypsies/Travellers away from council-owned land designated for other purposes and use by the community in general.”
It is also being recommended that a programme of training events take place for staff and councillors looking at Gypsies/Travellers cultural awareness to “develop greater understanding and harmony.”
Members of the council’s working group attended a half-day training session given by two members of the Gypsies/Travellers community. The session was “highly informative” and provided members with a “valuable insight” into their lives and culture, their expectations around the provision of sites and services, and good community relations.
see also: - The Greenock Telegraph - Site earmarked for Travellers
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