A DISGRUNTLED Kilwinning resident has branded ScotRail’s handling of a camp of travellers in the second overflow carpark at Kilwinning Station as “beyond a joke”.

The source, who wishes to remain anonymous, said they are “really hacked off” with the company’s handling of the situation.

The car park is privately owned by the railway company.

It comes after the group set up camp in the car park, which has seen far less usage since the Covid-19 pandemic began, for the fourth time.

Having left the Kilwinning area only one month prior, the Herald was told that on that third occasion, a caravan was left behind, and remained there until this point.

The resident claimed: “You can’t get through to them (ScotRail), they don’t listen, that’s the fourth time now.

“It’s the mess they leave, it’s beyond a joke. They said they were going to do something but do nothing.”

READ MORE: Eviction warning over travellers in Kilwinning rail station car park

The Herald reported in March how ScotRail had said they were in talks with the travelling community over their residence in the car park, and that formal procedures were being considered.

The resident praised North Ayrshire’s handling of their concerns, though appreciates that their hands are tied due to the carpark being out with their ownership.

Speaking in March, Police Scotland’s local preventions and interventions officer, Constable Guy Jenner, said that the force was aware of the encampment.

He added: “The Equality Act 2010 provides gypsy/travellers with the same protection as all other ethnic groups.

“Police Scotland work with local authorities and key partner agencies to fulfil its obligations under this Act - whilst balancing this with the needs of the settled community in the area.

“The standard of behaviour expected from all members of the community is the same - a mutual respect of the rights and responsibilities of all those concerned.”

The Herald approached ScotRail for comment on the situation and Stephen Elliot, ScotRail security and crime manager, said: “ScotRail has made every effort to talk to representatives of the travelling community currently on site in the overflow car park at Kilwinning station in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.

“Regrettably, we are now having to progress with more formal procedures, which include the issue of an eviction notice.”