Much-loved park turned into 'no-go zone' after 'intimidating' traveller mob smashes their way in and sets up camp

Travellers forced their way through a locked gate at a family park in Edinburgh, cancelling a school sports day and infuriating neighbours.

The Sunday break-in came almost exactly a year after the council evicted the same group from the site following complaints from neighbours.

And now, locals say Newcraighall Park has been turned into a "no-go zone" once more.

Multiple residents called the police on Sunday evening to report criminal damage to the gate and unlawful entry onto public land.

One, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had previously contacted councillors and the MP to request better security at the park.

"There is no CCTV or public lighting in the park, no security at all, so I have previously contacted local politicians asking them to take action, as it is currently unsafe. But I have not got anywhere yet," he said.

"We need adequate security at the park to stop them getting in. The gate is clearly absolutely not fit for purpose given they got in last year and again this year.

"They need to maybe place boulders at the gate to stop them getting access."

Another neighbour fumed at how the green space has been taken over for two years running.

"This is now the second consecutive year that an unauthorised encampment has occupied what is a public park used daily by local families, children, dog walkers and community groups."

"Residents are also extremely concerned about safety and intimidation.

"During the group's arrival yesterday, vehicles were driven directly onto the grassed area close to where a young child was playing football.

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"Residents witnessed individuals telling the child to leave the grass despite it being a public park. Understandably, this caused distress to those present."

Nearby Newcraighall Primary School was forced to cancel its sports day planned for Monday as a result, with the council confirming the event will be moved to another location.

On social media, locals were even less pleased - not least due to a long-running dispute with travellers in Granton.

"I hate to say this but it's honestly got even s***ter living in Granton now," one said.

"The kids threw f***ing rocks at my dog the other day and I can't take her down the shortcut to the beach anymore due to glass, litter and off-the-lead vicious Alsations. I swear they're getting worse and they're never at school."

A City of Edinburgh Council spokesman said officers were "aware" of the invasion.

The spokesman said: "We are aware of the unauthorised camp site at Newcraighall and officers from our Household Support service have been in contact with the group.

"We are managing the situation in accordance with Scottish Government guidance and will continue to monitor the situation."

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