A Montrose resident yesterday hit out at the arrival of more illegal Travellers at the town’s East Links.
Alison Williamson said the grassy area just behind the famous dunes has been a magnet for illegal encampments for 15 years.
Mrs Williamson’s home looks directly on to the site and she said more needs to be done to stop Travellers pitching up in Angus illegally.
Angus Council has pledged to monitor the situation at the site following complaints from residents and golfers at Montrose Links.
The Travellers arrived at East Links just a day after another group had finally left the site after staying there for a fortnight.
Five caravans, a tent, three vans, an off-road vehicle, a car and a horsebox are parked just off the car park opposite the entrance to the fifth-oldest golf course in the world.
The Travellers also have a horse with them and nearby residents reported being disturbed by dogs barking at night.
Mrs Williamson told The Courier: “We’ve had Travellers pitching up at the site on and off for 15 years now. On Wednesday a whole bunch left after staying here for two weeks but after they moved on another group arrived yesterday.
“The golf clubs have also complained because it’s an eyesore and often they leave behind a terrible mess when they go.
“The council can slap a 48-hour eviction notice on them but they don’t take any notice and stay there for as long as they want.
“They phone up their pals and word of mouth spreads that’s why it’s never empty for very long.”
Councillor David May said the Travellers can be seen by golfers on the first tee of two of the three Links courses.
He said: “Contact has been made with the council and the police to get them to move on. We have to follow the law and there are certain procedures that have to be followed and I know the police and council are very vigilant.”
Businesses in the town have previously complained saying the continual presence of the encampments is discouraging visitors to the town and having a negative economic impact.
In 2010 an Angus Council plan for setting up barriers around the Montrose Links to prevent Traveller camps was put on hold.
The scheme had been estimated to cost around £54,000 but there was huge reservation among residents about the money involved since it would have to come from the town’s common good fund.
Residents have previously called for another designated Traveller site for Angus.
The only site at St Christopher’s at Tayock on the outskirts of Montrose is full.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council said: “We are aware of the encampment at East Links and will continue to monitor the situation in line with our policies and procedures.”
Meanwhile, Travellers yesterday spent a second day at a beauty spot in Arbroath. Four caravans, three cars and a van remain in the middle of Victoria Park, which is popular with families.