Residents raise fears over city's gypsy festival plans

• Police and forensics experts attended an event in 2004 when shots were fired Picture: Julie Howden

Residents in the Gypsy Brae area in Granton said they were "very worried" about the mass gathering which is expected to attract around 400 caravans and 1,500 visitors to the Gypsy Brae Recreation Ground.

Several shots were fired during a four-hour brawl at an event in 2004, also held at the recreation ground on West Shore Road, resulting in two people requiring hospital treatment. Six people ended up in court.

Organisers of the six-day convention, Light and Life Gypsy Church convention, today said it would be peaceful and they would have a tight control of all activities.

But one resident, a 27-year-old living on nearby West Harbour Road, said he was "very worried" about the event, planned for July 25 to 31.

He said: "I don't think the council should have allowed this. If only a hundred people caused that many problems last time, imagine what could happen this time."

A spokesman for the City Council said travellers had worked closely with police and the council's events organisation body and had ensured that suitable stewards, cleaners and toilets would be on site.

Traveller Jackie Boyd, 45, who planned the festival, said they held events every year and had only once experienced trouble.

He said: "We've been careful to get the right facilities and it'll be a fun family event. We're having games for kids, gospel services and a barbecue. We plan to go up a week beforehand to set up and all the locals are invited.

"Gypsies today act very differently to how it was back in the past. We're all bringing our caravans up for a peaceful time."

Police said they would constantly be present on the site, and a council spokesman confirmed the group had paid a fee so that the area could be returned to normal after the travellers left.

Local councillor Cammy Day said that while he realised there was "cause for concern" he was confident the event would attract visitors to the area.

He said: "I believe it will be a good feature for north Edinburgh. The group have learned from their mistakes and have been incredibly thorough."

He added: "I hope I'm not saying something different afterwards."

A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: "The Council and its partner agencies have been working closely with the Light and Life Gypsy Church in the lead-up to the event. Every effort will be made to ensure there is as little impact as possible on the surrounding area."

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman added: "An appropriate policing plan is place to ensure that the event passes without incident."

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