A public consultation will be launched as part of plans to identify a temporary site for travellers over the summer months.
Last week, the Lennox Herald reported how West Dunbartonshire Council were considering setting a piece of land aside to stop illegal pitching – which cost the council more than £150,000 last year.
Members of the infrastructure, regeneration and economic development committee approved officers carry out a consultation over potential future options.
Last summer, in particular, was rife with illegal encampments and residents were left fuming after beauty spots were strewn with rubbish.
Labour councillor Martin Rooney asked officers whether the land chosen would be public or privately owned.
He said there could be issues if private land was picked, saying: “A private land owner might not have the resources to deal with it.
“At Strathleven Industrial Estate last year, it went on for a few months.”
Officer Richard Cairns said it would be properly managed if private land was chosen, highlighting that a ‘respect code’ has been drafted which lays out the rights and responsibilities of travellers.
Chiefs said a number of solutions to provide a longer term approach would be considered in consultation with residents, travellers and key local services.
Councillor Karen Conaghan said: “It’s important to note they are a minority group and have a right to be respected and there are others that do behave in an appropriate manner.
“It’s not everyone who creates a problem for us.”
Councillor Marie McNair, vice convener, added: “This early consultation will ensure that we can engender a positive relationship with the gypsy/traveller community going forward and will lead to a solution that is suitable for all.
“This consultation, and agreeing the criteria for potential sites, will put us in a good position for creating a more viable way of managing this going forward.”
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