"Mayhem" is how a local councillor has described living conditions of Glen Field residents, whose estate borders the halting site in Spring Lane.

Theft, intimidation and anti-social behaviour are some of the complaints councillors have received from residents, who the politicians say are afraid to even speak to the Cork Independent about the issues they are suffering in their neighbourhood.

Sinn FÃ©in Councillor Thomas Gould said he had received complaints from people who have had their house and car windows smashed and items taken from their gardens and sheds and he described the issues as "serious".

Mr Gould also said pets had been taken from the estate.

Mr Gould stressed he was not blaming the residents of the halting site for these problems but he outlined one of the main issues for the area is that it is being used as a "rat-run" or a shortcut from the halting site to Ballyvolane through a broken fence.

Fianna FÃ¡il Councillor Ken O'Flynn said there is a huge issue in the area that needed to be addressed. Mr O'Flynn accused residents of Spring Lane of dumping in Ellis's yard, behind the halting site and also claimed they were burning rubbish.

"The fire brigade was up there 15 times last year and the services were there three times in the one night recently," he claimed.

Mr O'Flynn also said complaints had been made to the Gardai regarding theft from the Glen Field estates and highlighted the issue of the broken fence as a major issue for the area.

Mr Gould said there was a lot of anger in the community, who feel they have been let down by the city council and he called on the Gardai to get more involved in the issues the residents are facing on a daily basis.

Horses

Mr O'Flynn said other issues include horses wandering into the estate from the halting site and Mr O'Flynn alleges there is a "makeshift equestrian centre" in the site for running the horses which he says should not even be there.

"It was proposed that there were to be 30 bays on the site and there are ten. The rest of the room is used for the horses and there is not even supposed to be animals on the site."

Mr O'Flynn said the Traveller Visibility Group, which mediates for the residents of the halting site with councillors is "not doing the residents any favours."

Mr O'Flynn claims the group are very difficult to deal with and there is no negotiation or compromise with them.

Fine Gael Cllr Pat Gosch agreed with Mr O'Flynn that the group were difficult to deal with and said a few years ago they tried to set up a forum for the halting site residents in Ballyvolane but the group interrupted the meeting and organised a walk out.

Community Garda John O'Connor said there is always issues between residents living alongside halting sites and he said he was aware of some issues and incidents.

The Cork Independent's calls and emails to the Traveller Visibility Group had received no response at the time of going to print.