Major overhaul of Gypsy Travellers site is planned

Makeover project could cost £4.23m

- STEWART MCCONNELL

A major overhaul is set to be carried out at Irvine's Gypsy Travellers Site with accommodation set to be revamped.

The Scottish Government published Improving Gypsy/Traveller Sites in 2015 which determined that all sites should meet minimum standards and have tenancy agreements reflecting the core rights and responsibilities by June 2018.

It set out landlord responsibilities in relation to essential fabric standards, energy efficiency, facilities and amenities, safety and security, maintenance and repairs, fair treatment. The Redburn Grove site has met the quality standards described in the Scottish Government's 'Improving Gypsy/Traveller Sites' since 2018.

It is understood that this is a minimum standard, and the council have continued to improve and upgrade the site in response to requests from site tenants.

The council obtained £74,000 from a £2m Scottish Government fund to install new kitchens and doors in amenity units and improve safety and security on each pitch by installing gates, fencing, and resurfacing, completing works in March 2022.

Housing to 2040 was published in March 2021 and announced the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund which would provide up to £20m capital funding for local authorities from 2021 to 2026.