Police and council ‘aware’ of Arbroath traveller encampment

Police have spoken to travellers who set up an illegal encampment in Arbroath.

The group of five caravans and associated vehicles rolled on to the grass area behind the north-east-facing wall of Gayfield football ground over the weekend.

A quad-bike was parked beside one of the mobile homes on Monday, alongside a tent that had been pitched against the side of the stadium boundary.

A washing line had been put up and had several sheets drying on it. But other than a few gas canisters the area appeared tidy and free from rubbish.

Two police officers were seen speaking to female occupants of the caravans.

An Angus Council spokesman said, “We are aware of the encampment in the Gayfield area of Arbroath and will continue to monitor the situation in line with our policies and procedures.”

The council has no powers to immediately move on an unauthorised encampment but in accordance with policy each one is monitored by the relevant agencies and if it does not move on within agreed timescales the liaison group will agree what action is necessary.