SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) has issued a ‘call for sites’ in a bid to better meet the needs of Gypsy/travellers in the region.

It said it was also aiming to reduce the number of ‘unauthorised encampments’ by identifying suitable land.

The travelling community was based at Selkirk’s Victoria Park during the coronavirus pandemic before moving to Tweedside Caravan Park in Innerleithen.

Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler said it had become clear that what SBC was providing was “neither adequate nor flexible enough”.

Land owners, developers and agents are now being invited to submit proposed sites to the council for Gypsy/traveller caravan pitch accommodation.

Mr Tatler, SBC’s executive member communities and equalities, said: “Through the work being taken forward to develop our new Local Housing Strategy, a consultation process was undertaken with Gypsy/traveller families and national representatives to better understand the accommodation needs of the Gypsy/traveller community and how these could be met more effectively in the Borders.

“It became clear that what is currently provided is neither adequate nor flexible enough and we need to do more to provide appropriate, quality accommodation options for Gypsy/traveller groups.”

He said that identifying potential sites would help avoid unauthorised encampments, encouraging “good relations and harmony across our communities”.

SBC said there were no potentially suitable sites currently in its ownership.

In December, a full council meeting heard that the creation of a permanent site could cost upwards of £3 million.

It is hoped that 60 per cent of those costs would come from central government.

Once the call for sites has been concluded, potential options will be shortlisted for consideration.

Should they meet the relevant criteria, they will be subject to a full public consultation.

A report on the findings of any consultations would then be taken back to council for the next steps to be agreed.

Proposals should be submitted on the Pro Forma document available at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/gypsytravellersiteprovision with a separate form required for each site.

Any submission should be accompanied by a location plan, clearly showing the site boundary.

The closing date for submissions is Friday, April 14.