Travellers set up at food and drink site
Officers from Perth and Kinross Council visited a new Travellers site at a Perth industrial estate this week after fears were raised over their children’s safety.
Since around 7am on Tuesday morning, an unauthorised camp containing around a dozen caravans has been set up at the Food and Drink Park on Arran Road, North Muirton.
But the group has called on the PKC to move them to a safer location with electricity and toilet facilities, amid safety concerns for young children due to the number of lorries and cars driving through the area.
The council approved a Negotiated Stopping Places pilot scheme last year that allows Travellers to stay at councilapproved sites for 28 days.
However, a PKC spokesperson confirmed they were not contacted by the group prior to their arrival. It has been reported that the group had never been informed about the scheme in the first place. Council officers visited the camp on Wednesday to assess the situation as well as assist the settlement as no authorised stopping places for Travellers are currently in the area.
A PKC spokesperson said the Negotiated Stopping pilot scheme was still continuing to “progress”.
“The council are aware that a group of travellers arrived in Arran Road yesterday,” they said on Wednesday.
“Our staff visited the site today to assess the situation and discuss with the residents their intentions.
“Support, advice and assistance was offered in line with the Scottish Government and COSLA framework to support Gypsy travellers during the pandemic.
“The group did not contact the council prior to their arrival yesterday.
“We will continue to work alongside COSLA and the Scottish Government as part of a national Negotiated Stopping pilot, which we are continuing to progress.”