Unauthorised Encampments
Officers from the council's Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) will visit the site of any unauthorised encampments as soon as we are aware
Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers will:
- Engage respectfully with Gypsy/Travellers and offer support services/referrals.
- Identify the encampment's location whether is is Council land or privately owned.
- Ascertain the Gypsy/Travellers intended length of stay.
- Engage with other Community Safety Partners as necessary, such as Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire Rescue Service.
- If the encampment is on West Lothian Council Land, Officers will served a Notice to Quit (NTQ) on the encampment and instruct legal services to start to prepare court action again the encampment.
- If the encampment is on private land Officers will liaise with the landowner for them to take any action.
Here are the current sites we are aware of and the actions taken:
Council Owned Land
Site location | Date Service notified | Action Taken | Notice to Quit Issued | Passed to Legal Services | Monitoring | Date left site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land Not Managed by West Lothian Council
Site location | Date notified | Actions | Landowner Notified | Update from Landowner | Monitoring | Date left site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathgate Sports Centre | 6 October 2025 | 6 October 2025 - Advice and Assistance Provided to Xcite. | 6 October 2025 | 7 October 2025 - SNT Officers attended site to provide advice and assistance. 8 October 2025 - SNT Officers & Operational Service Officers attended site to provide advice and assistance. | 9 October 2025 |
