Problem in Flachgau

Trouble around camping Roma and Sinti

33 caravan trailers stop on this meadow. Residents of the community complain about night-time noise and car racing.(Bild: zVg)

Finding a solution seems almost hopeless. Once again, a large group of Roma and Sinti have been camping in Straßwalchen in Flachgau for days. "Another group was there three weeks ago. We've also seen this before," says Mayor Tanja Kreer.

The head of the village is now calling on residents in the Salzburg - Upper Austria border region to report door-to-door sales. The aim is to check the campers more closely and perhaps get them to leave. Otherwise there is no way of dealing with the problem.

The problem of unwanted camping of 33 caravans is manifold. At night, noise annoys surrounding residents. There are also illegal street races. By the time the police arrive, however, no more offenses can be detected.

33 caravan trailers stop on this meadow. Residents of the community complain about night-time noise and car racing.(Bild: zVg)

Contamination in the meadows
The further consequences of the group's driving become unsavory. They have neither electricity nor water in the meadow where they stop. The mayor says: "People assure me that they dispose of the faeces at a campsite, but they end up in hidden areas in the meadows."

Salzburg law does not apply
Salzburg mayors can actually ban wild camping. According to Kreer, however, the Expellees Act prevents this in the case of Roma and Sinti. The owner of the meadow could not achieve anything with an action for trespassing. This would take effect after 14 days, by which time the campers would be gone again.

That is why the head of the village is now calling on citizens in and around the municipality to report the services they offer. Straßwalchen is chosen because of its central location. Knife sharpening and façade cleaning are offered in Neumarkt, Friedburg and as far as Mattighofen. Citizens should report vehicles and license plates to the police. They are now actively collecting data.