Angus residents have expressed their fears after a “fortified” Traveller camp sprang up in the heart of their community.
The unauthorised Traveller encampment sprang up in the middle of a
peaceful Forfar residential area over the past 48 hours.
And residents of the Westfield and Threewells areas are up in arms after 16 caravans and other vehicles moved in to the former playpark at the bottom of Threewells Drive.
This has left a school route “impassable” and “dangerous” according to
residents, who are afraid to approach the area due to fears over hostile dogs and human waste.
Travellers used a small pathway in Westfield Drive to gain access to the area, which is a main route for children walking to Langlands Primary School.
Local councillor Glennis Middleton visited the site and promised residents the council will do everything within its power to move the Travellers on.
“I do understand how awful and traumatic this is for nearby residents,” she said.
“I’ve already taken this up with officers of the council and every appropriate action is being taken. This appears to be a fairly lengthy process, because we have to go through the court.
“However residents should be assured we’re trying to expedite that process.”
It is understood the Travellers had been staying on the south side of Forfar Loch Country Park, having been given notice to quit by Angus Council.
Local police officers visited the area on Sunday, when the first caravans began to arrive.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Tayside Division can confirm that we are aware of the situation and we will continue to monitor and liaise with the council.”
One neighbour, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said he encountered human waste when he visited a nearby post box.
“I went to the post box in Threewells Drive and almost stepped in human waste on the path,” he said.
“This is the footpath that kids use between Langlands and Westfield and Threewells. There’s no water, there’s no amenities, there’s nowhere for them to put rubbish.
“I feel sorry for the people right beside it. I hope the council can put up
portable toilets because there is nowhere for them to go.”
Residents took to social media to complain about the camp, describing it as “fortified” and “miles from toilets.”
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the unauthorised encampment at a disused playpark in Threewells Drive and are continuing to monitor the situation in accordance with policy and procedures.”
