13 July 2016

New arrangements in place for Gypsy/Traveller support in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Council has appointed a full-time Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer (GTLO) to support the Travelling community visiting the area.

Jennifer Macrae took up the role in May, working alongside the council’s Minority Ethnic Communities Officer to ensure the accommodation, education, social and health care needs of this marginalised group are met.

This, in turn, will help the Travellers to develop more positive relationships with local communities.

Jennifer’s role is part of the Housing Strategy Team in Infrastructure Services and is based at Gordon House, Inverurie.

Her remit will involve dealing with any issues arising from unauthorised encampments within the Aberdeenshire area – a duty previously managed by the council’s environmental health service.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Gypsy/Traveller Sub-Committee, Cllr Allan Hendry, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Jennifer to her new role. Having a dedicated point of contact for the Gypsy/Traveller community is an important part of building positive relationships with Travellers and the settled community.”

“Aberdeenshire Council is committed to promoting equality and accepts the right of Gypsy/Travellers to a nomadic way of life. Jennifer’s role will support this spirit of equality and allow any issues to be dealt with in a consistent and accessible manner.”

For support with Gypsy/Traveller engagement or unauthorised encampments, Jennifer can be contacted at jennifer.macrae@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Please contact Minority Ethnic Communities Officer Moyra Stephen regarding proposals for new Gypsy/Traveller sites at moyra.stephen@aberdeenshire.gov.uk