A number of new dedicated sites for Travellers are set to open in South Ayrshire if plans get the go ahead.
Councillor Philip Saxton said the local authority has identified an area on the outskirts of Ayr where Travellers will be able to camp for short-term stays.
The exact location of that ‘transit site’ outside the town has not yet been disclosed.
A total of 111 sites have been considered over the years for Travellers but the vast majority were dismissed as unsuitable.
Labour councillor Philip Saxton, responsible for housing, said: “We are making headway in regard to a transit site for Travellers. It will be suitable for them and will save them going into the town centre.
“Two or three sites have been identified.”
The council has been undertaking legal proceedings to move Travellers on when they camp in unauthorised areas in Ayr and say it is committed to improving the lives of gypsy/Travellers in the area.
A Traveller member and officer working group has been established.
Ruling councillors on the leadership panel were given an update on services for Travellers this week.
Proposals on suitable sites for Travellers will be presented to the panel at a later date.
A council report said: “Taking account of the identified gap in provision of a suitable designated area to accommodate Gypsy/Travellers encampments in South Ayrshire, it is proposed that the member/officer working group starts the process to identify and consider potentially suitable sites in South Ayrshire and outlines proposals to a future meeting of the leadership panel.”
The report said council officers are in contact with “unauthorised encampments” but it said further work is proposed to “establish engagement structures” with Travellers to help shape services.
There is a permanent site for Travellers at Houdston Reid-Lea in Girvan.
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