The lack of facilities for Travellers in South Ayrshire has been branded ‘a disgrace’ by a councillor.
South Ayrshire Council set out to identify possible sites for the facility last summer – but has been able to identify just one location at Cockhill Farm, outside Ayr.
It was a situation that irked Councillor Ian Cochrane during a discussion at the leadership panel.
He said: “To be in this situation in 2022 with no official transit site for travelling people is nothing short of a disgrace.”
A report to the panel stated: “As part of the process in managing unauthorised encampments, dialogue has taken place with Travellers, who have indicated that a site within Ayr or Prestwick or around the outskirts of these areas would be favourable.”
The council approached Bargany Estate and Cassillis Estate but neither had suitable sites.
Meanwhile, the National Farmers' Union was asked about potential sites in the local farming community, as was a landowner at Mosshill Industrial Estate. Both delivered a similar response.
Approaches to other private landowners were also unsuccessful having been suggested by members.
This left Cockhill Farm as the only remaining option.
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The panel agreed to move forward on the site and will consult both the local community and Travellers. South Ayrshire would also seek Scottish Government funding to develop the facility.
The report stated: “It is proposed to carry out a consultation with the local community and the Traveller community on the preferred location.
“At the same time, a full design and feasibility study will be undertaken to determine site layout, establish accurate costings and consider any road and traffic implications.”
Councillor Julie Dettbarn, who chaired a group tasked with looking for a site, said: “It is the work of South Ayrshire Council to improve lives of Travellers and to ensure no community is left behind.
“While this is referred to as the preferred site, it is not a case of picking the site that is the best. Instead, it is the only one that has not been eliminated.
“In an ideal world I would like to go out to consult on more than one site.”
Councillor Philip Saxton added that the council have a commitment to treat Travellers the same as any other groups.
Councillor Cochrane added he had received information that there had been no take up of Scottish Government funding for such facilities and believed there would be little issue getting financial support.
Peter Henderson, the council leader, backed the move and said: “This will resolve a long-standing issue that has been put off too long.”
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