A councillor has warned that repeated Traveller occupation of sites at Broxden Business Park in Perth could deter new firms from investing in the area.
Around half a dozen caravans and accompanying vehicles moved on to land owned by Perth and Kinross Council on the city’s Lamberkine Drive around a week ago.
In order to gain access, it is alleged that fences were cut and barriers cast aside but, though council officers have visited the site, no enforcement action has yet been taken.
Perth South councillor Willie Wilson has hit out at the lack of action as he believes the presence of the Travellers could hit jobs.
“I am really disappointed that council staff and the police have not been more effective in getting those involved moved on,” he told The Courier.
“In addition to the residential amenity issues, there is also the question about jobs as the site is right next door to some of the most prestigious office facilities in the city.
“Imagine the impression this would give if a prospective purchaser or leaser of office accommodation were to visit the site and notice an illegal encampment just over the fence.
“I am concerned at the damaging impression the encampment creates and its impact on attracting business to the area.”
A police spokeswoman said they had been made aware of allegations of criminal damage but that the occupation was a matter for council officers.
Mr Wilson, however, believes that police officers should be taking action following the damage to fences.
They were put in place after Travellers occupied the site last year before being moved on. Other sites at Broxden have also been used as temporary camps in recent years.
The councillor said: “This is clearly criminal damage and an unauthorised presence.
“My phone has been red hot with calls from local residents concerned about sanitation, amenity and litter.
“In the past we have had problems in the area and, as a result of that, I arranged for the council to put a fence round the whole site. This has been vandalised there is no other word for it.”
Mr Wilson said he had raised the matter with senior council officers, including the chief executive and director of housing and community care, and asked that urgent action be taken.