TRAVELLERS are back in Port Glasgow — and Inverclyde’s Depute Provost fears their illegal camp site could cost jobs.

Six caravans have arrived at Kelburn Business Park next to new industrial units built by urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde (RI).

They are on land owned by RI, who have asked them to leave.

Depute Provost David Wilson today voiced concerns about this latest visit by travelling people to Inverclyde.

He said: “The fabulous Kelburn development is designed to create jobs by bringing new companies into Inverclyde, but you can’t market these new units when travellers’ caravans are parked outside.

“This could put companies off coming here, and could cost us badly-needed jobs.” The illegal camp comes only a week after travellers based themselves at Greenock’s Spango Valley and is the latest in a series of visits that have worried councillors and sparked public anger.

Councillor Wilson said that previous camp sites had been left in a mess when those living there moved on, necessitating a clean-up at public expense.

He said: “While there may be no mess yet at Kelburn, history tells us that travellers usually go around in trucks doing building or other work and then leave materials on the various sites around Inverclyde.” A spokesman for RI said: “We have asked the travellers to leave, and told them we will take court action if they don’t go.” An Inverclyde Council spokesman said officials had visited the site.

He said: “We will continue to monitor the situation following agreed council policy, which is in line with Scottish Government guidelines.

“Any issues will be dealt with as and when they arise.” Kelburn Park is the most easterly enterpise development area within Inverclyde, and has been hailed by environment and regeneration convener, Councillor Michael McCormick, as having ‘huge potential’ to attract inward investment and create fresh employment.