The leader of Fife Council has agreed to meet Glenrothes business leaders to discuss concerns over illegal Traveller camps.
David Ross has confirmed he will speak to owners on Southfield Industrial Estate next month after plans to construct a seasonal camp in the area were scrapped.
Firms on the estate had organised a campaign against the local authority’s plans, following years of trouble with illegal Travellers’ sites.
One of those at the forefront of that effort was Stuart Dunn, managing director of Air Compressor Services, who said that the meeting would provide an opportunity for the council and businesses to work together to alleviate future problems.
“The Travellers seem to be getting moved on more quickly these days usually within a week. But we cannot have anything interrupting business in Glenrothes at the moment as we are losing jobs, like at Tullis Russell, hand over fist.”
Fife Council stated earlier this year that it had planned to construct a seasonal site for Travellers in Glenrothes, following years of problems with illegal camps in the town.
A possible location in Thornton was quickly ruled out, with the attention swiftly focusing on Southfield.
Mr Ross said that a failure to establish a camp could create problems with illegal encampments this summer, a matter almost certain to be top of the agenda when he meets business leaders on June 4.
However, local councillor Bill Brown said Mr Ross owed it to businesses to hear their concerns.
“It’s taken far too long,” he said.
“The council said that they would meet with businesses to discuss their concerns and that that would happen within a couple of weeks.
“Obviously there have been other issues, such as Tullis Russell and Tesco closing, but a commitment was made and should be followed through.
“I am really disappointed in David Ross having made the commitment and agreeing to meet with people and still not having done so.
“It should have been happening right away.”