An urgent review of Dundee’s ongoing issues with Travellers is needed as present policy is “going round in circles”, according to city councillor Tom Ferguson.
Two groups of Travellers camped illegally on public land rather than use the Dundee City Council site at Balmuir Wood at the weekend, leaving behind piles of waste.
The Courier has learned that the Balmuir Wood site was completely empty over the same weekend.
The mounds of rubbish left in the illegal camp in Myrekirk Park was cleared at council expense.
A spokesman for Friends Families and Travellers, a charity to help Travellers, said: “There should be research done on why the provided site isn’t used.
“There needs to be a comprehensive consultation involving everyone the council and the local people as well as Travellers to make sure the needs of everyone are met.”
Mr Ferguson, whose Lochee ward covers the Myrekirk Park area, echoed those statements.
He said: “We need a focused revisit to the Balmuir site, and check that it really is fit for purpose.
“It may be that needs change with time, and we might need to make it more attractive to Travellers.
“I’ve campaigned for a robust costing of this intrusion and illegal trespass, and for years we’ve wanted action and repeatedly no action has been taken.
“We need a system that keeps close tabs on Travellers, and holds them to account.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Effective management of unauthorised encampments involves close working between local authorities, the police, and other key bodies.
“However, we are keen to facilitate dialogue between all the parties involved and to promote the spreading of good practice, so that the most effective approaches can be used across the whole of Scotland.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland work closely with the local authority regarding unauthorised encampment sites and any matters arising are subject to joint consideration to ensure a proportionate resolution.”
A council spokesperson said: “Dundee City Council has made significant investment in the Balmuir Wood site over the last few years and satisfaction levels of people staying there is high.
“We do advise all Travellers to use the area and we have several measures in place to discourage the use of illegal sites including gates, barriers and boulders.
“We also work closely with police to facilitate the removal of Travellers from unauthorised encampment sites and, if necessary, can serve legal notices for eviction.”
Mr Ferguson said: “After the litter and the disruptions and the disrespect at Myrekirk, it should be a clarion call for action.”