Forres-based travellers leave waste on two occupied sites in town

Travellers left waste on two sites that they occupied in Forres for a combined total of seven weeks.

The first group, using seven caravans and vehicles, illegally camped on Forres Academy’s playing fields at the Plasmon from June 5 to July 11 - the second, of six caravans and associated vehicles, took up temporary residence in a field next to the Horizon building at Forres Enterprise Park from June 29 to July 14.

Moray Council is responsible for the Plasmon playing fields.

A spokesman said: “There were 14 adults and 8 children there.

“Waste was left behind, including black bags in bushes which was moved to nearby bins. Tyre tracks were created on the field, but this will repair naturally, assisted by rollers used on the grass as part of routine maintenance.”

The local authority did not report the incident to Police Scotland.

The other travellers removed three bollards to gain access to the field in the enterprise park that they also stayed in last year. Landowner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) confirmed Police Scotland reported this to Moray Council.

Local authority representatives visited the camp to check on its conditions.

A spokesperson pointed out that, since the land is owned by HIE, Moray Council is not responsible for dealing with the damage to bollards or waste left on site.

He added: “Police Scotland will deal with any complaints about damage to bollards.

“As far as waste is concerned, that would likely come under Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA’s) remit, as they have enforcement powers.”

A member of the public reported that “tons and tons” of garden, building and household waste blocked paths. He also claimed that nearby woods were “full of toilet waste” despite portable toilets being provided by the council.

A HIE spokesman said: “There is tidying up to do - it’s mostly green/garden waste. It’s too early to be specific about what the clean-up will involve or how much it will cost.”

Illegal stays on Forres Enterprise Park have cost the taxpayer £23,000 over the last five years.

Scottish government development agency HIE paid for concrete boulders and bollards at would-be entry points - lorries removing human and industrial waste also contributed.

The HIE spokesman said: “We’re disappointed with the unauthorised encampments and at having to spend money on clean-up operations and repairs.

“We continue to explore different options to improve security and prevent future unauthorised camps.”