Two groups of Travellers finally left Arbroath have after a week of disruption.
They were moved on by police after a week at an Angus beauty spot only to illegally pitch up elsewhere in the town.
The illegal encampment had blighted Arbroath’s Victoria Park since last Thursday and continued to ignore the law, to the dismay of locals.
However, they were finally moved from Victoria Park only to pitch up near Arbroath FC’s Gayfield ground later, traditionally a popular spot for Travellers.
However, they left Arbroath for Carlisle on Thursday afternoon while another group of Travellers also left another part of the town. That group had parked up the previous day with their caravans at Brothock Valley, near the town’s nature trail.
Arbroath councillor Bob Spink yesterday said: “By tonight there should be no more Travelling people camped within the precincts of Arbroath.
“It is always difficult with these situations and there are those who choose to live in a manner different to most of us and I have no problem with that.
“I do, however, also believe that in choosing the life they lead, they should show respect for the people and properties they affect, for that causes more problems than their chosen lifestyle.”
Local resident Patricia Millar added: “I have a great deal of sympathy for the council because they have to work within the law.
“If the law is not clear on something, then maybe it’s time to change it and to let the Travellers know what the boundaries are.”
Mrs Millar said she was worried the Travellers’ appearance might have put off families from spending time in Arbroath during the holidays.
The council has no powers to immediately move on an unauthorised encampment but, in accordance with policy, each one is monitored. If it does not move on within agreed timescales, the liaison group will agree what action is necessary.
Robert Oxley, campaign manager of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers want to know that public land is being used appropriately because it is their money which is paying for its upkeep.”
However, an illegal encampment of Travellers remains at East Links in Montrose, where they have also been since last Thursday.
The grassy area just behind the famous dunes near to the golf courses has been a magnet for illegal encampments for 15 years.
Montrose councillor David May said: “I’ve been directly engaged to try and get more detail about exactly what council policy is. I’ve also been in discussion with the police because there have been considerable complaints.”
Residents have previously called for another designated Traveller site for Angus. The only site, at St Christopher’s, Tayock, on the outskirts of Montrose, is now full.