Travellers set up camp in car park
Essential services provided at‘unauthorised’site
Council officers have visited a group of Travellers after they set up an“unauthorised”camp in a car park on the outskirts of Perth.
A number of vehicles, including seven caravans, arrived at the Broxden Park and Ride area overnight on Tuesday.
PKC’s equalities lead and Perth City Centre ward councillor Peter Barrett has vowed that the local authority will provide vital services - including toilet and washing facilities - for the group.
The service falls under a negotiated stopping scheme for Travellers that was adopted in Perth and Kinross last September, headed up by COSLA.
The pilot programme is an agreement between Travellers and local authorities on unauthorised encampments and the length of time they can stay on the land.
They are also asked to leave the site clean and not to make too much noise.
Support and services such as health and education will be offered by the local authority to the travellers, if needed, as well as toilets and waste/ rubbish removal.
Cllr Barrett said: “Perth and Kinross is traditionally an area that the Gypsy/
Traveller community has lived in or travelled through and the council has a duty and responsibility to provide services for them.
“The council has adopted a negotiated stopping approach to Gypsy Traveller encampments which involves dialogue and negotiation between the council and Gypsy/Travellers who pass through the area.
“Engagement to provide public health advice and support is particularly important during COVID, as is ensuring that temporary stopping places are safe and have access to basic sanitation and services – toilets, water, bins and wash facilities.”
The Lib Dem councillor described the council’s response saying: “Officers from environmental health visited the site.
“There are seven caravans and associated towing vehicles located at the far end of the Park and Ride site opposite the mobile COVID testing unit.
“The residents of the encampment stated they would only be staying a couple of days.
“In accordance with the current Scottish Government guidance on supporting Gypsy/Traveller encampments during the COVID pandemic, the council is providing toilets until Saturday morning.
“There are separate toilet facilities for the workers at the COVID testing site.
“Officers will visit again to confirm toilets are provided, leaving dates and ensure clear access to the testing centre.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of an unauthorised Gypsy/Travellers’ camp at Broxden and officers have visited to discuss the arrangements and safety issues with residents.”