Barriers erected to block Travellers in Ayr - Ayrshire

The Ayr Advertiser

PLANS are underway to bar Travellers from setting up camp for the summer in Ayr next year after residents complained about caravans near scenic Greenan Castle and elsewhere.

South Ayrshire Council erected barriers to stop Travellers from entering the Greenan car park in Doonfoot after residents voiced concern about the presence of half a dozen caravans in July and August.

Residents in the town have also complained about dumped rubbish, noisy brawls and people urinating in public when Travellers moved into Cromwell Road car park too.

The council has been searching for a designated seasonal site for the Travellers without success.

Alloway and Doonfoot Community Council treasurer John Crone said: "There is a fair chance the Travellers will be back next summer again - it is a regular occurrence. South Ayrshire Council are searching for a suitable area for them and we would certainly like to see progress before next year.

"The caravans do not create a good impression and local residents feel a bit inhibited about going for walks with caravans in residence.

"The more serious issues occurred near the Horizon Hotel near Cromwell Road in Ayr."

Residents overlooking the Cromwell Road car park told the community council they had to put up with noisy cockerels and generators as well as hearing rows in the middle of the night when the Travellers were present.

Mike Newall, Head of Service for Neighbourhood Services for South Ayrshire Council said: "We are currently looking at ways of addressing these problems.

"At Doonfoot barriers have been put in to restrict the vehicles that can enter.

"In Cromwell Road we have been looking at options to provide better management of the car park and are in the process of examining the costs that could be involved. As funding would have to be identified and Traffic Regulation Orders would require to be altered no decisions will be taken until a paper has been presented to the members of the Leadership Panel later this year."