Authority approves legal sites for travellers

New official sites for travelling people in Scotland are to be set up in East Ayrshire.

The stopping places will allow travellers to park their caravans for a certain length of time, without the threat of eviction.

This new scheme means that travelling people will be allowed to stay on “suitable” areas of land as long as they follow a code of conduct.

They will be provided with a toilet, bins and bottles of water and will be expected to dispose of their rubbish in a specific location.

The community will be monitored and could be evicted if they break the rules.

The scheme is a result of a partnership between housing, planning and East Ayrshire’s Vibrant Communities scheme.

Council leader Douglas Reid said: “The negotiated arrangement has proved popular with travellers in other areas who have struggled to maintain their way of life, often finding themselves alienated from local communities.

“It’s a simple, effective solution and I’m delighted it has been agreed with cross-party support.”

Depute council leader, Elena Whitham, said: “The right to travel and follow cultural background is key.

“We are trying to reset the compass and make a difference.”