Moray Council discusses concerns over ‘unauthorised’ gypsy traveller sites

Concerns have been raised over whether the “balance is right” concerning unauthorised gypsy traveller sites.

Traveller caravans have set up without permission on five different occasions over the spring and summer and twice in Forres and Elgin.

The issue was brought up at a meeting of Moray Council’s housing committee on Tuesday, with Sandy Keith (Labour, Elgin North) stating that some amongst the settled community feel their own needs are not being addressed.

Referring to two encampments in his ward on the Deanshaugh Playing Fields during May and July, he said: “I’m just not sure how the needs of the local community are being met in that context, with two encampments in very short order.

“Officers involved were excellent – it’s not a criticism – but it’s the concerns from the people involved and quite whether the balance is right.”

Paul McBain (Conservative, Forres) said there have been two encampments at the enterprise park in Forres plus another at the former Leanchoil Hospital.

Mr McBain said: “I’m aware gypsy travellers need to camp somewhere. And we have to look after travellers.

“But at the enterprise park I think it took six lorry loads of stuff to be removed from the site after they left.

“There has to be an understanding that if they come on to an area it has to be left as good as it was.”

Edward Thomas, the council’s head of housing and property services, said officers “endeavour” to meet the needs of all parties involved.

He added that the council is working to identify suitable areas as designated sites. However he warned it would not be a quick or easy process.

Mr Thomas said: “I wouldn’t envisage that would be a straight-forward piece of work because it can throw up an awful lot of concerns with local communities to work through. And it wouldn’t be a short-term piece of work.”

He added that a search for sites had been carried out in Moray before with no success.