New travellers’ protocol

Date Added - 11/08/09

A revised protocol for dealing with unauthorised travellers’ encampments in Moray has been approved by councillors.

The update follows extensive consultation with other agencies and with representatives of the gypsy/traveller community.

The new protocol has been designed to be clearer and more robust than its predecessor.

An information leaflet which is available to gypsies/travellers will also be updated to reflect the changes in the protocol.

The new rules ask gypsies/travellers to recognise that they have the same duty to behave responsibly as members of the settled community.

They will also be expected not to overcrowd any site they occupy, look after the site, respect local residents, keep pets under control, refrain from fly-tipping and use portable toilets that are provided.

Those who comply are likely to be permitted to remain for up to five weeks before being asked to move on.

Any breach would result in the council taking enforcement action, including eviction.

Councillor Eric McGillivray, chairman of Moray Council’s communities committee, said the new guidelines made it clearer what was acceptable and what was not and he was confident they would go a long way to reassuring the settled community.