Anger over rubbish left behind by travellers in Stevenston

They even left behind a broken down caravan, along with large amounts of rubbish, some of it in bags, strewn across the site.

Two angry residents have also complained about prowlers outside their homes at 3am or 4am when the travellers were on site and said they found it "frightening"

They described the area as a "no go zone" while the travellers were on site.

Some of the rubbish left behind (Image: Contributed)

Local man Ambrose Keenay said: "I couldn't believe they just abandoned a caravan, which, frankly, was full of s***.

"Many of the neighbours were terrified, especially when they heard people prowling around the area in the middle of the night.

"It happens here all the time. They get kicked off the site, go somewhere else, then come back here again.

"Last time it happened it took two lorries to remove all the rubbish from the site.

"They confront anyone walking in the area, then they get kids to throw things at you because they know the children won't get arrested."

North Ayrshire Council revealed they were told about the travellers setting up camp at the site on May 7, but it took a week before a notice to leave the area was served.

A spokesperson said: “We were made aware of the encampment, which was situated within the car park area at Auchenharvie Golf Club, on Tuesday, May 7.

“The council’s gypsy traveller co-ordinator carried out visits to the site, offering advice and supporting residents within the encampment with a view to moving them on. 

“Notice to move from the area was served on the encampment, and this was adhered to on the evening of Tuesday, May 14. 

“Workers have been instructed to clear the rubbish from the surrounding area.

“We would advise any resident to contact Police Scotland, should they have concerns regarding trespassers or anyone acting suspiciously in and around their property.”