End in sight for Meriden campaigners - West Midlands

From the Solihull Observer

PROTESTERS in Meriden are hopeful the end is finally in sight after three years of constant campaigning against an illegal Travellers' site.

The three year legal battle appeared to come to an end this week as the Travellers withdrew their appeal against the decision which states they must vacate the site on Eaves Green Lane by the end of the month.

The Travellers moved onto the land over the Bank Holiday weekend in May 2010 and have since lodged several planning applications and appeals in a bid to remain there.

But while campaign group Meriden RAID are hopeful they could soon see the green belt restored, they are also fearful the saga could continue.

Campaigners have maintained a vigil for more than 1,000 days at a makeshift camp opposite the site and they have vowed to move their protest to outside Solihull Council's offices if the Travellers do not vacate the land and reinstate the green belt.

David McGrath, from Meriden RAID, said: "Our camp stays for now. If the Travellers stay on the land after the 31st of March and the council do nothing then our protest camp moves outside the main doors of the council house.

"We refuse to tolerate a Dale Farm situation where legal battles are won but the Travellers simply stay put and the council do nothing for a decade."

"We have not won 18 legal and planning decisions, raised £90,000 and sat out in all weathers for over 1,000 days only to see the campaign fail due to council inaction.

"We hope it doesn't come to that and trust that the council will act fairly and decisively but we are ready to act."

Last week another planning application submitted by the Travellers to move part of their site to adjoining land was refused.

Mr McGrath said: "The council has offered the Travellers alternative accommodation and support and they should take it.

"The Travellers have strung this out for three years costing the taxpayer a fortune.

"It is now time for them to turn over a new leaf, find lawful accommodation and take their place in society once again as neighbours not opponents."