RESIDENTS have hit out after a group of travellers illegally set up camp in an area of Levengrove Park.

Their presence in the area has been met with dismay by some locals who’ve say the group are responsible for “damage” to some of the grass surface.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, sent in a picture of what she claimed was damage caused by the group’s vehicles’ wheels which has churned up earth and dirt.

The resident, who lives near Levengrove Park, said: “They have been there for the last two weeks and they’re at the athletic field, which used to be blocked off with giant boulders, but they’ve removed them. They’re destroying the place. It’s mindless destruction.”

Dumbarton councillor David McBride told the Reporter yesterday that West Dunbartonshire Council’s legal services team have serviced a notice on the group to move.

He said: “It’s unsightly, anti-social and there’s a cost involved for the council for the clean-up. We will have to try to make the area more inaccessible and we’ll have a site visit to see if we can put barriers up.”

Three years ago there was a similar outcry when a group from the travelling community pitched up at Posties Park.

This time around Levengrove Park is the main area attracting attention.

Cllr McBride said: “The travellers are now in an area where they have never been before, so it’s disappointing and it’s something that we’ll have to look at once again.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council is aware of the travellers’ presence and is currently serving a notice of eviction on the group who are illegally camped at Dumbarton.

“Once the land is cleared, officers will look at more robust options to prevent future illegal encampments on this land and the area will be checked for any dumped material which will be swiftly removed from the site.”

Most local authorities in Scotland have dedicated facilities for members of the travelling community to stay.

In West Dunbartonshire that area is at Dennystoun Forge.

Anyone wishing to apply for a pitch on the WDC Gypsy Traveller Site at Dennystoun Forge should complete a standard Waiting List Application Form on West Dunbartonshire Council’s website.