Council bosses ask police to take action against Travellers - Aberdeenshire

From the Evening Express

COUNCIL bosses today issued police chiefs with an ultimatum over illicit Traveller camps.

Aberdeen City Council has said Police Scotland must crack down on Travellers who set up unauthorised camps in the city.

And councillors have said that if there is no action they won’t sign off on a three-year plan for policing in Aberdeen.

The city’s police chief today defended the force, insisting officers did all they could within the law.

Finance convener Willie Young said: “We need a bylaw from the Scottish Government, but the police need to up the ante. This is ridiculous.

“If the Government don’t give us a bylaw, if the police don’t act, then this is going to be every week.

“There’s only a limited amount of things we can do. People think it’s the council’s fault. It’s not. We have limited powers. The police do not.”

Chief Supt Watson said: “I fully understand the complexity of this issue, which primarily sits with our valued partner Aberdeen City Council.

“Of course, if there is any evidence of criminality being committed by, or to, the Gypsy/Traveller community then can I reassure you that we will respond to any reports and take the appropriate action.”