Council staff respond to mess left behind by Travellers at Inverness park.
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A recent encampment by a group of Travellers at Torvean Park in Inverness has sparked significant community concern following their departure. The site, once a serene location for locals and visitors alike, now bears the scars of the unauthorized camp, with deep tire ruts and scattered debris marking the area.
Mess left behind at Torvean Park
Upon the Travellers’ exit, council staff discovered a disturbing scene. The grass was severely damaged, and numerous bags filled with rubbish, including personal items, were left behind. Reports indicate that the debris included not only typical waste but also items such as underwear, raising eyebrows among local residents and officials alike.
“It’s disheartening to see our park treated this way,” commented a local resident. “We expect visitors to respect our community spaces.” The council has mobilized teams to begin the cleanup process, which involves removing tree debris and other waste left in the wake of the encampment.
Community response and council actions
The Highland Council has been actively engaging with the Travellers during their stay, aiming to manage the situation with a focus on cooperation. A spokesperson for the council stated, “We are progressing the policy on supporting cooperation and managing unauthorized camps.” This approach reflects a broader strategy to balance community needs with the rights of Travellers.
Despite the council’s efforts, the aftermath of the camp has raised questions about the effectiveness of current policies. Local groups have expressed frustration over the condition of the park, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ongoing cleanup efforts and future implications
As council workers continue to clear the site, they report that the cleanup is more extensive than initially anticipated. “We’ve already picked up the worst,” one worker noted, highlighting the volume of waste collected. However, remnants of the camp remain, with plastic and cardboard still visible in various areas of the park.
The situation at Torvean Park serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by local authorities in managing unauthorized encampments. The Highland Council is committed to addressing these issues, with ongoing discussions about improving policies to better handle such situations in the future. For more information on their approach, residents are encouraged to visit the council’s website.
