Bromsgrove Council slammed for failing to move Travellers on - Worcestershire

From the Bromsgrove Standard

BROMSGROVE District Council has come under fire from residents who claim the authority has not done enough to remove Travellers from the Recreation Road car park.

After their arrival last Friday (June 21), more than 20 caravans have been positioned on the pay and display car park, opposite the town's Asda.

One resident who contacted us said: "The Travellers have prevented tax-paying members of the public from using the car park and whilst there is a CCTV camera monitoring that car park 24/7, there appears to have been no attempt by the council to move the Travellers on."

Another claimed a civil enforcement officer had told them he had been advised by the district council not to approach or challenge members of the travelling community who had set up their camp near the town centre.

"Is this an appropriate way to treat people fairly?

"Is this kind offer of free parking extended to all residents/shoppers visitors to Bromsgrove?

"Is the council even aware they have arrived and, if so, what plans have been made to arrange payment for their stay, to issue notice to quit the site and, if required, who will be covering the cost to return the car park to its previous state?"

A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: "Following discussions with the group they have indicated their intention to move from the site by the end of the week.

"To avoid any delay beyond this point the council has already issued proceedings in the Worcestershire County Court to obtain an order for possession of the land.”