MP's summit on travellers will be a 'full house'

A spokesperson for Mr Donohoe said: “We have asked a local pastor who lives near the Redburn site in Irvine and a representative from the Scottish Traveller Education Programme to approach the travelling community, but so far we’ve had no response.

“The door remains open for someone to attend.” Elma Murray, chief executive of North Ayrshire Council, has confirmed attendance at the meeting in MP’s Irvine offices along with her Executive Director for Place, Craig Hatton.

The MP for Central Ayrshire originally invited the new Justice Secretary Michael Matheson to attend the meeting on December 5 to tackle what Mr Donohoe sees as a lack of action over issues with the travelling community in North Ayrshire.

But Mr Matheson has declined the invitation.

Mr Donohoe said: “This is a national problem but we are taking the lead here in Central Ayrshire.

“I am sure Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be well aware of the difficulties caused by the behaviour of travellers in her home town of Irvine.

“This is an opportunity to show she really does mean business by dispatching her new man to an area she knows well to address an issue she will also know well.” He added: “Next Friday’s gathering presents a good opportunity for local residents affected by the activities of travellers to make their voices heard.

“I have been campaigning constantly for the authorities to be more proactive in ensuring itinerants dispose of their rubbish, control their animals and avoid damaging the environment.

“People living or working near their caravans have long complained that the travellers cause noise and nuisance and are responsible for an increase in criminal activity in the area.” The MP concluded: “I am hoping that councils will stand up for the rights of law-abiding citizens and not be bound by nationally agreed procedures which are no more than guidelines.”