School Children Claim Intimidation by Hazelhead Travellers
Hazlehead Academy pupils are “scared” to go to school following claims that they were intimidated by members of a nearby illegal gypsy camp.
Councillor Ross Thomson has received various complaints from parents and teachers, who claim there have been several
occasions where the travellers have verbally abused and chased children making their way to and from the school.
Residents have made various complaints to Aberdeen City Council following a string of disturbances from the travellers’ camp in Hazlehead Park.
Users of the park have also claimed that large “vicious” dogs are running free around the area and harassing dog walkers and runners.
Parents and local residents fear that there may be more serious incidents in the future and are urging the council to take immediate action.
An eviction order will be put before the court on Friday nearly two weeks after the camp was first established.
Councillor Ross Thomson fears that this will not be the end of the issue: “We’re confident that the eviction order will be passed and that the camp will be moved on. The problem is that they just move to somewhere else close by.
“We need the powers to be able to evict these camps as soon as they crop up, instead of waiting weeks before we can do anything.”
Members of the travelling community refused to comment about the allegations of abuse, but said they feel unfairly treated by the council.
