TRAVELLERS who showed up at Maidens last weekend unlawfully, finally left the site on Friday.

The groups had been staying at the far end of Ardlochan Road for over a week and were removed on Friday, April 14 after legal proceedings were initiated. 

South Ayrshire Council have confirmed legal proceedings took place and the party had been given notice to leave.

Sources informed the Ayr Advertiser Series the group arrived on Friday, April 7 at the for end of Ardlochan Road on the links, with more arriving over the weekend.

They were accused of removing iron material in order to enter the housing estate.

Our source told us: “I am contacting you to let you know that travellers arrived on Friday, April 7 and set up residence on the links at the far end of Ardlochan Road in Maidens.

“They removed two bollards to gain access to the links. They drove camper vans, vans, caravans and cars onto the links where they have taken up residence. On Saturday more travellers arrived then moved on the following day.

“The police visited the links on Sunday night. The local councillors have been informed.”

South Ayrshire is frequently visited by travellers, particularly during the summer months.

In July last year they caused uproar when they set up camp at Prestwick Oval as well as St John’s Primary School.

The Ayr Advertiser Series previously reported that residents on Ayr’s Whitletts Road were angry and upset following the arrival of travellers at the school.

Shortly afterwards the same group of travellers were believed to be causing safety and sanitation concerns at the The Oval at Prestwick.

They camped out on the playing fields which are used for football as well as being near the tennis courts and the Indoor bowling club.

There were reports that travellers had also been using quad bikes and allowing wild dogs to roam free on the pitches without picking up dog poo.

Many are concerned this behaviour will continue this year and disrupt the lives of the residents living there. They want the area where they live to be kept in good condition and the feel safe in their communities.

David Burns, Head of Housing and Facilities at South Ayrshire Council : said: “The travellers do not have permission to be there.

“They have formally been given notice to leave the site and we have initiated legal proceedings to remove them.”

As we went to press, the travellers were still residing at Maidens.

A spokesman for the council confirmed that it would be up to the courts to decide when they should leave.