Inverclyde Council is to consult local residents on plans to establish a dedicated transit site for the Gypsy Traveller community.

The decision follows recent issues surrounding a number of unauthorised camps at different public sites throughout the region.

The proposal being considered is for a small area of Kelburn Park in Port Glasgow to be cordoned off and a hard standing area prepared for 12 pitches. A fresh water source would be installed and portable toilets provided as, and when, needed, while arrangements would also be made to store and collect domestic rubbish.

No permanent buildings would be erected on the site, which would be fully managed by the Council.

The consultation is also considering an appropriate charge for using the site.

Representatives from the Gypsy Travelling Community have suggested that an official transit site in Inverclyde would be welcomed.

Education and Communities Convener, Councillor Terry Loughran, said: "We are consulting on the proposal for Kelburn Park after fifteen possible locations were looked at and it was considered to be the most viable option. We will listen to any concerns raised by the consultation and indeed any other proposals that may come to light. No final decision will be made until the full facts have been considered.

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"The consultation will allow elected members to reach an informed decision about whether to proceed with the proposal. We have to do something as we cannot allow the current situation to continue. Officers are unable to take legal action against unauthorised camps because we have no alternative to offer. A transit site will allow officers to deal with unauthorised camps across Inverclyde quickly and minimise any costs or disruption. The majority of Gypsies Travellers are being stigmatised by the anti-social actions of a minority and settled communities are upset and anxious. We have to do something.

"The proposal is not to provide a state-of-the-art camp for travellers but to provide a basic transit site for short stays. The Council has a legal duty to meet the needs of Gypsy Travellers and to help them preserve their traditional lifestyle while giving them access to health and education services. Unauthorised camps are a major issue for the Council and our communities so it is vital that we come up with a solution. An official site would help mitigate the problems and also provide a better environment for Gypsy Travellers."

The consultation, which started on Monday 29 July, will run for five weeks until Friday 30 August 2013. Information stands will be set up in Inverclyde's libraries and drop-in surgeries will also be held in Greenock, Port Glasgow and Gourock.

Drop in sessions will be held at:

• Port Glasgow Library - Friday 2 August (1pm – 3pm) and Monday 19 August (5pm to 7pm)
• Greenock Central Library - Tuesday 6 August (2pm to 4pm) and Tuesday 27 August (5pm to 7pm)
• Gourock Library: Tuesday 13 August (2pm to 4pm)

An online survey is also available via the Fife Council website.

(JP/IT)