Eviction notice served on Prestwick travellers

Jun 24 2011 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AN eviction notice has been issued to a band of travellers who have set up camp at Prestwick shore.

They moved into the popular spot after being ordered out of another site at Shawfarm Road.

Prestwick councillors have been flooded with complaints from neighbours fed-up with the problem on their doorstep.

And Councillor Hugh Hunter says that the council may be forced to stump up thousands of pounds to try and stop travellers returning to the spot.

He explained: “I am concerned that no matter what we try to do there is always someone there to abuse it.

“Now it looks like we’ll have to look at extending the measures we have taken at Links Road car park and put in barriers so that caravans can’t get in.

“This is going to cost the common good fund thousands.”

The travellers arrived in Prestwick around three weeks ago and moved onto a Scottish Enterprise site at Shawfarm Road.

An eviction order was obtained from the court and they were moved on.

However, that wasn’t and end to the problem.

For the group went on to set up camp at a vacant plot behind Kidz Play for a few days before moving to the site at Grangemuir Road.

Councillor Hunter said: “Quite frankly this is an outrage.

“It is so disappointing that so little consideration is being given to others.

“Older people living in the area have complained that they feel concerned and intimidated.

“This is a very popular car park with visitors and locals.

“It is unfair on the community that they are unable to use it just because a group of people decide to set up camp there.

“However, I am particularly pleased that this has been dealt with so promptly by our officers and the notice to quit has been served.”

Kenny Leinster is the head of community care and housing for South Ayrshire Council.

He explained: “The council owns the land at Grangemuir Road, in Prestwick where an unauthorised encampment has been set up.

“We are working to move on these people as soon as possible and legal notices have been served on the travellers informing them they need by vacate the area by noon on Thursday, June 23.

“We are confident the travellers will comply with the notice and leave the site.

“If they do not we will seek furthers powers from the court to have them removed.

“We are considered a model of good practice for our work with unauthorised encampments and we will continue to do all we can to make adifference for our communities.”