A proposed legal site for Travellers in Camperdown Park has been hailed as a positive step forward by community leaders.
It is hoped the proposal will put a stop to the problems people from the North East and West End areas of Dundee have been experiencing for the last couple of years.
Councillors in the city held a private meeting last week to discuss creating a “stop-off” site in the southern side of Camperdown but John Alexander, neighbourhood services convener, said “nothing was set in stone”.
Speaking after the proposal was revealed, Ron Neave, chairman of the Fintry Community Council, said: “I have to say the proposal, on the face of it, looks like a positive step forward to deal with Dundee’s problem with illegal encampments.
“There’s been a high number of these sites in the area over the last two years and the whole rigmarole of moving them on and cleaning their mess afterwards has cost the council thousands of pounds.”
Mr Neave hoped the short-term time limit for Travellers to use the site was enforced by the council.
He added: “Groups have pitched up and stayed at illegal sites for long periods of time in the past. I’d hope the council, if this idea does go ahead, makes sure groups stick to the rules set for this potential site.”
Peter Menzies, the chairman of the West End Community Council, agreed it was a good idea but added that he hoped an additional legal site would lead to a stronger crackdown on groups pitching up illegally.
He said: “Any solution is welcomed at this time due to the significant problems people living in the West End have had with illegal sites — particularly down at the Technology Park.
“If this does indeed go ahead, then I’d like to see illegal sites dealt with more vigorously by law enforcement.
“It’s encouraging to hear something is being done but I’d hope any plans would be fully scrutinised and analysed when implemented.”