TRAVELLERS have been causing yet another uproar in South Ayrshire this week, this time at the Oval in Prestwick.

The Ayr Advertiser Series reported last week that residents on Ayr’s Whitletts Road were angry and upset following the arrival of travellers at St. John’s Primary School.

The same group of travellers are now believed to be causing safety and sanitation concerns at the The Oval at Prestwick. 

The travellers have camped out on the playing fields which are used for football as well as being near the tennis courts and the Indoor bowling club. 

There have been reports that travellers have also been using quad bikes and allowing wild dogs to roam free on the pitches without picking up dog poo.

One local resident near the camp expressed their concern and believed the council and police should have more powers to quickly move on travellers. 

She said: “I am not happy about this, I’ve phoned the police twice, the first being 10 minutes after the travellers have arrived and they’ve not been a great help at all.

“The council have done a lot of work to get those pitches at the Oval in good condition, and they have been seen around in their quad bikes which is illegal and is causing the park to be dug up.

“I have been making sure to set alarms around the place to make my house secure.

“The council and the police have been very disappointing in their reaction this.

“I have lived here for 12 years and though this is the first time this happened, it is one time too many. It is very unacceptable.”

Another resident in the area remarked that they had sympathy for the children of the travellers, believing them to be victims but in the end would be happy to see them leave. 

She said: “I was really upset when I saw them arrive, but when the weather was nice the kids were all out playing and I thought it is a shame that they get hounded. 

“I just have a concern for sanitation. 

“I don’t know where they are disposing their rubbish and where they are doing the toilet.

“To be honest, there has been no trouble, we’ve seen a few dogs and quad bikes but all in all it has been quite peaceful. 

“I do hope they are moved on due to the sanitation concerns though.”

Mike Newall, Head of Neighbourhood Services at South Ayrshire council said:

“We have visited the site along with the Police and asked the travellers to leave as they do not have permission to be there. 

“Legal proceedings are also underway to ensure they leave as quickly a possible. 

“Our dedicated officer who deals with travellers has reminded them of their responsibilities regarding keeping noise to a minimum and disposing of litter in bags provided by the Council.”