“We can’t go on like this.”
That is the claim from Dundee councillor Brian Gordon as Travellers continue to camp illegally in his ward.
Mr Gordon, whose North East ward has been blighted by the Claverhouse camp, called for an increase in powers to deal with illegal campers.
Travellers continue to iccupy a camp blocking a roundabout at Claverhouse Industrial Estate. The group claim they were kicked out of the official Dundee City Council Travellers’ site in Balmuir Wood in Angus over anti-social behaviour, but a council spokesman later confirmed they were ejected for being in arrears with their rent.
Mr Gordon said: “We are going to have to look for new powers because this situation is a continuing reoccurrence.
“The current legislation gives Travellers the chance to stay completely uninhibited until their court date and that is something that needs to change.
“The site at Balmuir Wood too needs to be looked at because clearly various groups are unable to live within it.
“There was talk recently of looking at sites for Travellers within Dundee city, and I would be very interested to find out which sites were being considered, so that people could know.”
Councillor Willie Sawyers added: “I am frustrated that the same group have spent time at three sites in the north east of the city while the council are proceeding with legal action.
“I hope that this is resolved as soon as possible. It is the case that the minority of Travellers spoil the image of the entire group.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “We’re in the process of taking legal action.”
A Police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland continue to monitor the area and if any offences are identified they will be dealt with appropriately”.