Site plans a 'disgrace'

The Legahory man said Travellers removed bollards and set-up encampments in the area.

Bollards and boulders were put in place by the Housing Executive to stop Travellers camping.

Families were moved off the area after years of camping and the boulders and bollards put in place to stop more moving into the area.

There are a number of other sites in the area which are fully equipped for Travellers.

However, since the Travellers broke through the barriers around Legahory and Burnside to set up camps the Housing Executive has provided toilets and cleaning facilities, which further angered residents.

"They have plans to build a new site in Craigavon for the Travellers," said one local resident.

"But it's money wasted, there are camp sites sitting empty while more families camp on our doorstep - it's a disgrace."

A spokeswoman for the Housing Executive said it was 'sympathetic' to the needs of all involved.

She said: "Members of the Traveller community are on Housing Executive land at Burnside.

"The Housing Executive is obliged under the co-operation policy to provide sanitation and waste disposal facilities for the families.

"This is a highly sensitive issue and the Housing Executive is sympathetic to the concerns and needs of everyone involved.

"Residents can be assured of the Housing Executive’s commitment to work with other agencies including the Traveller Support Group in Craigavon, to resolve this issue."