Councillor says lack of sites ‘forces’ Travellers to camp illegally - Perth and Kinross

From the Courier

Concerns have been raised over the number of Traveller sites in Perth and Kinross.

Councillor Willie Robertson claimed that people from Gypsy/Traveller communities were “forced” to camp illegally because there is nowhere else for them to go.

Members of the housing and health committee were discussing the local authority’s housing strategy when the Kinross-shire councillor highlighted the issues being faced by the group.

He said: “Often Travellers are forced to park up on pieces of wasteland and places that are totally unsuitable. On doing so, they are put into conflict with other residents and this is something we are trying to prevent. I know in Kinross-shire we have got provision but it appears in Perthshire there isn’t.”

Mr Robertson demanded action to ensure Gypsy/Travellers are given access to more serviced sites, allowing them to take advantage of local schools and health facilities.

Councillor Kate Howie denied they were being “forced” to stay on temporary sites.

She added: “From experience, many of them want to live in that way and do not want to be prescribed in where they can stop for a few days. Indeed, at a seminar, where many of these Travellers were represented, that was very much the message they were trying to get across.”

Housing and health convener Dave Doogan also gave assurances that the local authority had a responsibility towards Gypsy/Travellers.