A group of travellers who had been accused of “fire raising, noise, rubbish dumping, defecating and other kinds of misbehaviour” at an Aberdeen beauty spot left their site overnight before an eviction order came into effect yesterday morning.
It is understood the travellers, who set up an unauthorised camp at Hazlehead Park last Friday, attempted to enter a nearby school, but were turned away by a janitor who had kept the gates locked in case they showed up.
The group have since moved onto a new site at Torry Battery, where further legal action is now underway.
Hazlehead ward councillor Ross Thomson said yesterday: “I was informed that around 6.20pm last night they attempted to gain access to the Hazlehead Primary car park close to their site, but because the school was on alert that this might happen the gate was locked and the janitor turned them away from the car park.
“This group has been problematic, and monitored daily by police and councils since they left a large mess in Dundee.
“As I understand it their site at Hazlehead even has human excrement left behind.
“I must stress that the actions of this group do not at all reflect the larger traveller community, but locals and parents of children at Hazlehead Primary will be relieved at this news.”
Mr Thomson’s fellow ward councillor Martin Greig said: “It is appalling that the park has been misused in this way.
“Residents and visitors to Hazlehead have suffered from considerable distress and worry. There will be much relief that they have gone.
“I have had complaints of fire raising, noise, rubbish dumping, defecating and other kinds of misbehaviour at the encampment.
“The park is being cleaned up by the council, and it is unfair that the public have to pay so heavily for this unauthorised presence.”
Travellers previously set up camp at the other end of the park close to Hazlehead Academy in 2013.
Last night Aberdeen City Council said it was taking steps to deal with the new camp at Torry.
A spokesman said: “Our gypsy/traveller liaison officer visited the site today and we are taking all the appropriate legal action.”