The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Support pledge as Travellers camp at park and ride site
Asenior Perth and Kinross councillor has promised that the local authority will support a group of Travellers who have set up camp at Broxden Park and Ride.
The Travellers arrived overnight on Tuesday, with six caravans and a number of vehicles seen in the car park by yesterday morning.
Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett, the local authority’s equalities lead, said the council had a responsibility to provide services for the Traveller community, such as toilets, washing and bins.
Mr Barrett, who represents Perth City Centre, 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-19, as is ensuring that temporary stopping places are safe and have access to basic sanitation and services – toilets, water, bins and wash facilities.
“I have advised council officers of the encampment at Broxden and they will take that forward.”
A previous Traveller encampment at Broxden Park and Ride was reported to child services by a local councillor in 2019, due to concerns for youngsters playing in close proximity to the buses.
Bosses at Mclaughlan Transport, a haulage company at the Arran Road industrial estate in North Muirton, said at the time that having young children in the area was a risk.
A spokesman for bus operator Stagecoach said yesterday that the camp was a matter for Perth and Kinross Council.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman also said that it was the local authority which would deal with the issue.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesman 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.”
It comes after Holyrood announced £20 million of funding last month to provide more and better accommodation for the Traveller community.
The funding, part of Scotland’s first long-term national housing strategy, will enable local authorities to improve existing sites and expand provision over the next five years.