Fence bid to stop castle mess
Published 11 May 2010 14:00
A FENCE is being erected at Newark Castle in a bid to stop travellers setting up illegal camps there.
Up to 20 caravans had been parked at the Port Glasgow beauty spot on a number of occasions last year, prompting Inverclyde Council to slap an eviction notice on the travellers, with the promise of legal action if they didn't break up the camp.
The castle is owned and run by Historic Scotland, and Inverclyde Council owns the grass area between the castle and the slipway.
The new fence, below, is being erected by Inverclyde Council in response to comments by Port Councillor Jim MacLeod on behalf of constituents who complained to him about the mess being made by travellers.
He said today: "I have spoken a number of times to council officials about the problems caused by the travellers. I made a suggestion that we should look at some way of preventing people getting vehicles and caravans on to the grass. I'm pleased action is being taken.
He said: "There was a terrible mess last year. This is an area of historic interest and a place where families like to visit and people like to take their dogs for a walk.
"We have to discourage anyone from using it for overnight stays and, at the same time, ensure people can still get access to walk on the grass."
A council spokesman said "Concerns had been raised by Historic Scotland about unauthorised camping on the site and it was decided to secure the area."Scotland.
Last year the travellers were informed by letter to vacate the site or face court proceedings. They moved on, however, before the deadline expired.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 11 May 10
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
