Inverness junior parkrun cancelled after travellers set up camp in Torvean Park
This Sunday’s Inverness junior parkrun has been cancelled after a group of travellers took up residence in Torvean Park.
The decision to temporarily stop the free weekly children’s jogging event, held at 9.30 am every Sunday, was taken a day after Saturday’s adult version was also called off.
Organisers would only say that “circumstances outwith our control” were to blame.
The unauthorised encampment saw the arrival of up to 16 vehicles, including eight campervans, parked on the grass behind the small loch at the Inverness park since late on Wednesday or early on Thursday.
In an email to parents, the parkrun event’s volunteer coordinator wrote: “Due to circumstances outwith our control, we have had to take the decision to cancel the Torvean Junior parkrun this upcoming Sunday.
“We hope that we will be back up and running on Sunday, April 6.”
Parents were told a volunteer email would be sent, with up to date information on social media channels.
Highland Council say they are in talks with the group, who hail from different parts of the UK, to manage the situation
A council spokesman said: “Our staff are liaising with the people involved and progressing the ‘Policy on supporting cooperation and managing unauthorised camps’ which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments.
“A copy of the policy can be viewed on our website at: www.highland.gov.uk/gypsytravellerspolicy.”
