Travellers are exploiting a system that takes too long to deal with unauthorised camps, local councillors claim.
They argued that such encampments not only caused inconvenience to local residents, they also came at great cost to the public purse.
Fintry-based Labour councillor Brian Gordon said he understood Dundee’s clean-up bill for the last two years for illegal encampments exceeded £100,000.
His comments, along with those of environment convener Craig Melville, arose after at least 20 caravans and a convoy of associated vehicles settled into Finlathen Park.
The councillors berated the group for their lack of consideration and called for legal powers to move them on more quickly as Dundee’s season of unauthorised encampments continued.
SNP councillor Melville said legislation with regards to court procedures meant it took “far too long” for the council to evict people from council land.
He said: “Obviously it is extremely disappointing that, yet again, a group has decided not to use the facilities that we, Dundee City Council, provide for travelling groups at Balmuir Wood.”
Mr Melville said that he favoured a tightening up of the law to speed up the removal of illegal camps, but he also wanted to see more facilities for travellers, too.
A succession of mobile homes appeared in the park, behind Pitkerro Nursing Home, at the weekend, and city council officials have since served them a 24-hour notice to quit the public space.
One resident complained that with the caravans pitched on the park’s football pitches and with cars being driven across the leisure area, it was impossible for locals to use it.
Mr Gordon’s phone started ringing with calls from irate residents as the caravans began to appear on Sunday evening. He shared residents’ displeasure.
Mr Gordon said he had heard from one traveller during a stopover in the Whitfield area that it was the group’s intention to see the summer out in Dundee. The councillor said it was imperative that effective legislation was introduced to prevent such abuse.
Mr Gordon said he fully understood residents’ frustrations, and said those involved in the camps were well aware of the existing legislation’s limitations.
Police Scotland’s Tayside Division said they were “aware of the situation and will continue to monitor and liaise with the council”.
A city council spokesperson confirmed that the notice to quit had been served on Monday, adding: “Travellers have occupied council land at Finlathen Park and we are taking the appropriate action.”
The housing convener, councillor John Alexander, is working on new proposals in relation to the city’s strategic approach to travellers.
He admitted the current system was “broken” following other recent encampments in Dundee, which provoked public anger and concern.