Gardai called to traveller disturbances

GARDAI were called to disturbances at a travellers' encampment on the outskirts of Ballina on Saturday evening.

GARDAI were called to disturbances at a travellers' encampment on the outskirts of Ballina on Saturday evening.

There were complaints from the owners of Belleek Castle Hotel that they lost considerable weekend business when guests, including American, British and Irish, could not get past the encampment at Belleek Road.

The hotel's owner, Ms Jacqueline Doran, said: "We have spent a considerable amount of money refurbishing the hotel and we are losing business with guests being intimidated. We had 28 booked in for the weekend and only 14 stayed. Others cancelled in our restaurant."

Residents at Belleek have been agitating for the removal of the travelling families who are parked in six caravans along the roadside.