Westhaugh gypsy traveller site contractors in administration

On Thursday, Murray Sharp, the council’s senior housing manager, revealed that the firm has “gone into administration”. 

Clackmannanshire’s housing spokesperson, Jane McTaggart, confirmed the news in a letter which states a “significant delay" has been experienced in the re-development of the Westhaugh gypsy traveller site in Alva. 

“Our intentions to move forward with the gypsy traveller site have been hampered by various obstacles that are outside of our control,” Cllr McTaggart told the council. 

READ MORE: Plans to redevelop Westhaugh site approved

“This remains a huge concern and we’re hopeful these issues can be resolved imminently and that we can get a contract to meet the needs of our traveller community.” 

Clackmannanshire has been in the process of refurbishing the Westhaugh site since October 2022.  

In May, the council agreed to invest an additional £1.3 million to redevelop the site after councillors were told costs had increased by around 25 per cent – bringing the total to £5.5m.

PLANS: An artists impression of what the Westhaugh site will look like. (Image: Clackmannanshire Council)

Much of that funding, up to 60 per cent, was meant to come from the Scottish Government after the council successfully obtained the highest level of grant award from the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund. 

However, councillors were told on Thursday that these delays could cause the costs to increase once again. 

“We’re at the stage of seeking out an alternative contractor,” Mr Sharp told the council.  

“It’s likely that this may lead to additional costs which would need to be presented to council for confirmation and to discuss if the council is comfortable with the cost and/or the whole project itself.” 

He added: “There are discussions at a senior level in weeks ahead to try and progress that project forward on behalf of the council,” Mr Sharp said. 

Clackmannanshire Council has been contacted for additional information.