THE Travellers encamped at Balmacassie park-and-ride are still there, despite assurances that they would be leaving last Saturday, the Times has learnt.
The group, travelling in four caravans, had been unable to move their vehicles after repeated use of the roadside verge as an entrance has made it too muddy for caravans to cross.
As a result, BEAR Scotland, who own the land, have been asked by A
berdeenshire Council to lay gravel in order that the vehicles could be moved.
The Times visited the site, and found it strewn with waste bags, old cardboard and children's toys.
The verge, being used as an entrance to the site, has been rendered impassable through repeated vehicle entrance and egress.
Councillor Rob Merson, representing Ellon and District, spoke to the Times about the matter. "I have requested that this (the laying of gravel by BEAR) be arranged for the very near future. We now have a situation where the Travellers are not only causing a road safety hazard and damage to the grass verge, but it would appear that there is a serious risk of damage to the utilities running under that verge.
"While I generally take the view that we should 'live and let live', I very much resent the expense to which the tax-paying members of the resident community are regularly being put to facilitate the lifestyle of this transient sector of society – many of whom are operating successful cash businesses."
A BEAR Scotland spokesperson said, "Transport Scotland has agreed to provide temporary access to enable the travellers to vacate the site safely, however this is taking longer than anticipated due to the presence of services on the verge.
"We aim to provide this access as soon as possible, meanwhile we are keeping the Travellers, local police and Council informed."
