Border Telegraph | News | Concern about unwelcome campers

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Wednesday, 13th August, 2008 09:00

Concern about unwelcome campers

By Alexa Brown

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GALASHIELS residents in Glenfield have said they are worried about security after travellers pitched up without permission on the site of a new play area this week.

Several caravans, as well as cars and vans, have set up camp on a grassy area just off Curry Road in the town, despite reports that Scottish Borders Council did not grant the travellers permission to stay there.

And now nearby residents are concerned about security and angry about the damage that the vehicles are causing to the land, which was previously allocated as a play area for children living near Glenfield Crescent.

Colin Martin, who lives near the site, told the Border Telegraph: “I was out walking earlier in the week, and noticed that about four caravans, as well as vans and cars, were parked in the play area.

“They’ve never been here before. I’ve spoken to a lot of neighbours and the feeling is that everyone is quite concerned about having strangers pitching up in caravans so close to our homes.

“The site is meant to be the designated play area for the kids in our area, but the cars and caravans are just chewing up the ground. I have contacted Scottish Borders Council about this, and lots of other residents are doing the same.”

Sergeant Andy Leigh of Lothian and Borders Police said: “A number of travellers arrived in Galashiels between August 11 and August 12, and camped on council-owned land on Curry Road.

“Police are currently in contact with the local authority’s gypsy traveller liason officer in regards to this matter.”

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “We were made aware of this situation on Tuesday morning and will be liaising with the Police to discuss the way forward.”

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