A TRAVELLING encampment which had settled in Kilwinning has been successfully moved on by council chiefs - only to pop up on Stevenston beach.

A number of caravans appeared in the field off Pennyburn Road, next to Kilwinning Sports Club on Thursday raising concerns from some residents who were unhappy at their arrival.

However the encampment only stayed a few days before North Ayrshire Council served them an eviction notice, forcing them to move on.

Despite making no trouble whilst in Pennyburn, their arrival made some local residents unhappy and they immediately reported the encampment to Police and North Ayrshire Council.

But by the weekend the travellers were gone having moved on to Stevenston Beach where, the Times understands, they still are.

However council bosses say they have been served notice to vacate the beach as soon as possible.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The council takes its responsibilities regarding gypsy/ travellers seriously and its policy seeks to strike a balance between the needs and legitimate expectations of members of the settled community and gypsy/ travellers.

“The traveller encampment next to Kilwinning Sports Club was reported to the Gypsy Traveller Encampment Officer on Thursday, June 2, and an assessment of the encampment was undertaken that afternoon.

"As the location and size of the travellers encampment was unsuitable for the area, our Legal Services instructed Sheriff Officers to serve notice on the morning of Friday, June 3.

“I can confirm the Gypsy Traveller Encampment Officer checked the encampment on Monday morning, June 6, and noted that the encampment had left the area.

“Following this, our officer was notified that two encampments were set up at Stevenston beach and notice will be served on these this afternoon.”