Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser believes that recent disputes regarding an unauthorised encampment of Travellers at the Broxden Business Park in Perth highlights the current flaws in Gypsy/Traveller strategies.
On Thursday, Murdo will speak in a Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee debate on where Gypsy/Travellers live.
A lack of suitable Gypsy/Traveller sites is a factor in the spread of illegal encampments. However, the behaviour of travellers whilst living on illegal sites is causing problems for communities across the country.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Anti-social behaviour cannot be tolerated regardless of the mitigating factors.
The case at the Broxden Business Park highlights the friction caused by illegal Gypsy/Traveller encampments and the permanently settled communities in which they base themselves.
“Settled communities must have the backing of the police and the local authority when dealing with the effects and after-effects of illegal Gypsy/Traveller settlements. The Broxden Business Park case brings current Gypsy/Traveller issues into sharp focus before Thursday’s Holyrood debate.
“Ultimately, local authorities must look at providing more suitable sites for Gypsy/Travellers or face more incidents like the one at Broxden. Furthermore, Perth and Kinross council should look to support the local community around Broxden to prevent a return of Travellers to this illegal site.”