Grantown businesses do it for themselves against travellers
Grantown businesses are getting back to normal after a sheriff’s order moved an impromptu encampment of travellers from their industrial estate.
The disruption began around midnight on Monday when a series of vans moved into the Achnagonalin’s gated yard.
With business unable to trade normally on Tuesday both police and Highland Council were contacted but neither seemed able to clear the site of the vans.
A spokesperson at the council told the Strathy it was not council-owned land: “Our staff are liaising with the people involved and progressing the ‘Policy on supporting cooperation and managing unauthorised camps’ which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments.
“The unauthorised camp is not on council owned land. The council does not have responsibility for management or enforcement of unauthorised camps on land that is not within its ownership.”
The authority was acting in an advisory capacity, the spokesperson added, within its statutory general duties and as part of its commitment to partnership working.
“The council has no powers of eviction from land which is not in its ownership or control. Landowners must seek independent legal advice and the council continues to liaise with the landowner.”
Police officers also made a couple of visits to the site over the following day.
But the estate owner Doug Fleming at Highland Woodchip, had already sought an injunction to have the travellers moved on and it was delivered yesterday to the travellers, who had told the Strathy they were visiting from Ireland with the aim of attending June’s Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria.
After the site was cleared one of the local businesses which had ben affected, Woodlands Service Centre, posted: “Achnagonalin businesses were put under huge pressure this week with the arrival of approximately 20/30 gypsy people, setting up camp on the estate including all their vehicles, children and dogs for two nights and two days.
“Biggest thanks to Doug at Highland Woodchip for securing a super fast injunction to move them on so quickly.
“We had no support from the council and the police, informing us that the law was in favour of the travellers.
“We felt underwhelmed by the authorities.
“Apologies to all customers who had to endure this whilst visiting the businesses on the estate during this period.
“The ‘silver lining’ was in knowledge that we all supported each other during this tough time. Thanks guys, you all know who you are.”
Another of the businesses, Cairngorm Vets, posted: “Unfortunately this week some temporary visitors have treated us and our usually clean and welcoming location badly.
“We are truly grateful to our clients for their patience, understanding and support while this has been going on.
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“Special thanks go to the impromptu neighbourhood watch group who kept us feeling safe overnight, to our landlord for quick action to resolve the issue, and to the fab clean-up crew who mucked in to get things back in order.
“We've put our hearts and souls into making Cairngorm Vets and we are so proud of the fantastic community around us. Thank you all.”