Travellers blamed after shrubbery is dumped outside Gayfield

Tree cuttings and shrubbery have been left dumped near an illegal Travellers’ site in Arbroath.

The finger of suspicion is being pointed at the Travellers by locals as efforts continue to move them on.

More than a dozen caravans have formed an unauthorised site which includes work vans and cars on the grass outside Arbroath FC’s Gayfield ground.

One resident said: “The tree cuttings have been dumped next to the gate at the end of the path which runs alongside the site.

“They have just appeared and it’s a mess but the council’s hands are tied.”

In previous years, residents and councillors have voiced concern at groups of Travellers setting up home in the Gayfield area.

Normal procedures are being followed and the council is continuing to monitor the situation with its partner agencies.

A council spokesperson said: “As with all unauthorised encampments, a clean-up will take place.”

The policy in place to deal with illegal encampments involves Angus Council, the police, social work and other agencies who all have a role in processing the complaints which can result in people going to court.