Travellers set up camp at Vic Park Council and police to take appropriate action if needed
Travellers who set up camp at a football park in Shotts are still there more than a week later.
Four caravans appeared last Sunday at the council- owned Victoria Park in the Dykehead area of the town.
They owners of the caravans told the council that they would be away by Monday and were heading to England.
But they were still there on Tuesday as the Wishaw Press reached their dealine and council officers and the police visited them again on Monday afternoon.
A spokesman for Shotts Community Council said: “We are aware of the travellers encampment at Vic Park.
“The council and Police Scotland visited the encampment and carried out an assessment.
“The community council have been advised that the travellers will be moving on very soon.
“A date has been agreed and if the travellers have not gone then the council will take the next course of action.
“We have been assured that the travellers are pleasant people.
“The site is tidy and there is no damage to the park.
“We request that the community are patient and give the council the opportunity to manage the situation.”
Resident Claire Mullen said: “If they keep the area clean and tidy and don’t bother anyone and don’t affect football matches or the pipers’ practice or anything else, then fair enough until they move on.”
Stephen Llewellyn, the council’s housing operations manager, said: “Following discussions last week, the travelling people indicated they would be leaving the council owned site over the weekend.
“We were informed they are still there and we therefore organised a joint visit with community officers from Police Scotland.
“The site is being well maintained and discussions are ongoing about how long the people will be there.”
Mr Llewellyn added: “We will continue to monitor the situation and will take any appropriate action if necessary.”
The site is tidy and there is no damage to the park. We request the community is patient . . .