Dundee Parkrun cancelled as Travellers return to Camperdown

Dundee City Council is “moving to take legal action” after a group of Travellers once again pitched up at Camperdown Park.

At least five caravans are parked at the public park and the weekly Parkrun has been cancelled on Saturday as a result.

It is the latest in a line of encampments in the city this year – with several at Camperdown Park.

A Parkrun event was also cancelled earlier this summer after nearly a dozen caravans arrived at the public park.

Dundee Parkrun cancelled as Travellers pitch up at Camperdown

A Parkrun post read: “We have assessed the situation in the park this afternoon and while the course is not actually blocked, there remains too many unknown risks to guarantee the safety of all runners.

“We know this will be disappointing to you and we hope that we will again be clear to go ahead next week Saturday.”

Council to take ‘legal action’

More recently a group of travellers set up camp at Riverside Nature Park.

According to Shelter Scotland, it is a criminal offence to lodge, occupy or encamp on privately owned land without the owner’s consent.

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “The council is aware of this encampment and is moving to take legal action.

“In the meantime, the council’s liaison officer has visited the site to offer advice.”

The council operates a purpose-built site for Gypsy/Traveller groups at Balmuir Wood in Angus.

The Tealing site offers 14 pitches, a playpark and facilities for washing and cooking.