The group have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction over the ineffective way travellers are dealt with when they set up illegal camps in Montrose.

As the Review went to press on Tuesday, the group of travellers encamped on the East Links completed their 45th day on the site. While the group have been served notice to quit and charged, they haven't budged from their spot, just yards from the newly completed wheeled sports facility.

Members claim the travellers seem to have a free reign to do as they please and want the Gypsy Council, who protect the interest of and campaign for travellers' rights, to pay for any damage.

Terry Wood said: "With all due respect to Angus Council and the police, they run circles around us. They do what they like."

Members said the cost of accommodating the travellers was not acceptable, with the clean up bill a particular gripe.

Jim Thomson said: "Should the bill for the cleaning be sent to the Gypsy Council? That seems to be their head body, so why not?

"Start billing them for the mess then perhaps they will start cleaning up and looking after their own affairs."

The community council agreed to write to Angus Council to see if they would agree to the plan.

The group also said something should also be done to ensure that travellers are prosecuted when they break the law.

They say any charges made against the travellers are not worth the paper they are written on because they will often leave the area just before any possibility of a court appearance.

Terry Wood said: "They never go into court. Never."

Asked how travellers managed to get road tax and car insurance, Constable Bob Russell, said many of them have permanent addresses elsewhere.

Mr Thomson said: "If we've got their addresses, why not use that address to send the summons to?"

Jim Strachan agreed with that view, added that other charges should be pressed as well, including littering and vandalism where applicable.
He continued: "They can't be true travellers if they've got a house."