INVERCLYDE’S Depute Provost today accused police of ‘insensitivity’ over pulling in cars for checks — right next to travellers who had just set up an illegal camp.

Councillor David Wilson and the Telegraph received calls from irate members of the public, some of whom described the situation at Woodhall as ‘farcical’.

They were angry that the travellers were being allowed to flout authority, and doing so only yards from police officers who were keeping busy checking other people’s vehicles.

Fifteen caravans arrived on Tuesday evening and spread around a grassy area owned by housing association River Clyde Homes.

The vehicle checkpoint was set up right next to it just hours later on Wednesday.

Councillor Wilson said: “My law-abiding constituents are appalled at the sheer insensitivity of Police Scotland in mounting this vehicle check while the travellers are right next to it and quite happily sitting in the sun and cocking a snook at the authorities.

“The police could have done their vehicle check anywhere, but not opposite a site where people are openly breaking the law.

“The travellers have broken into private ground owned by River Clyde Homes by knocking down barriers which were erected to stop them getting in there again.

“It’s no wonder Inverclyde people are angry.”

Councillor Wilson says he is contacting the police to raise his concerns about where the vehicle check was done.

The Tele contacted the police to advise we were getting calls from people asking why officers were not focusing on moving on the travellers from their illegal site, instead of checking people’s cars.

Sgt Laura Stewart responded: “River Clyde Homes as the landowners have the task of seeking legal action.”

River Clyde Homes said they visited the site on Wednesday morning with Police Scotland and met with the travellers.

Russell Smith, their cleaner greener neighbourhoods manager, said: “We have informed them that they are on private property and have asked them to leave with immediate effect.

“If they fail to comply, then arrangements are in place for us to swiftly seek a court order to remove them from our land.

“We are working with other community partners and Inverclyde Council in delivering refuse sacks to the site.

“They will collect the rubbish afterwards to minimise debris.

“We will, with our partners, continue to monitor the situation.”