Last-gasp plea to stay at St Cyrus

Residents at illegal encampment do not want to go back on the road

A last-gasp plea has been made by Travellers desperate to remain in an unauthorised Mearns settlement.

The group made their case directly to governmentappointed reporter Michael Shiel when he visited North Esk Park at St Cyrus.

Mr Shiel will make his final recommendation later this year.

Site spokesman Alan Seath said: “We are hoping he will look positively at our case...”

Travellers made a last-gasp plea to stay in an unauthorised Mearns encampment during a crunch visit to decide its fate.

Scottish Government-appointed reporter Michael Shiel carried out a site inspection at St Cyrus yesterday at the place 10 families have called home since 2013.

Residents told him their lives would be destroyed if they were evicted and they would be forced back on the road to live in a layby.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said development of the unauthorised site at North Esk Park was “inappropriate” and has warned there is a risk to property and lives due to flooding.

The applicants have provided a flood risk and drainage assessment as well as a community resilience plan (CRP) prepared by the Scottish Flood Forum.

Site spokesman Alan Seath said the residents are now putting their “trust and faith” in the system and want a quick decision.

He said: “The threat of eviction has been hanging over their head and it is a worry and stress they don’t need.

“The vast majority of the population in St Cyrus have not submitted an objection because they recognise that the residents of North Esk have integrated well into the local community.

“The reporter has a difficult job but we are hoping he will look positively at our case and make sure the Travelling community are not left without a home in St Cyrus.”

Mr Seath said the part of the site that is at risk from flooding can be adequately mitigated to ensure the safety of residents.

He also highlighted this week’s coastal erosion study from leading researcher Professor Jim Hansom which warned of the “immediate threat” to hundreds of small towns along the coast such as Arbroath, Montrose and St Andrews.

Mr Seath said: “There are parts of Scotland at greater risk than North Esk Park and common sense must prevail.

“The residents of North Esk Park want to keep their home and they will fight tooth and nail to do it.

“The community resilience plan provides a means of managing the flood risk and is a fine example of what others can do throughout the country.”

The North Esk Park site has substantially expanded since the first temporary homes appeared without prior authorisation in September 2013.

The Travellers were told yesterday it is likely the reporter will have enough information to write his report to Scottish Ministers.

Picture: Paul Reid. Michael Shiel during the visit with representatives from Sepa and Aberdeenshire Council.