Complaints as Travellers set up near Bromsgrove business park - Worcestershire

From the Bromsgrove Standard

BUSINESS owners in Bromsgrove have hit out about Travellers who have been camped near Buntsford Hill Business Park since March 11.

The Standard was contacted about several issues, including horses running loose in the road, access to businesses being blocked, damage to property and the siting of human and animal waste.

One person who got in touch said it was happening on a regular basis and more needed to be done to find a long-term solution.

"Every month we are plagued by a group of Travellers who park at least six caravans with their accompanying vehicles, children and animals and cause chaos on the park.

"They are always evicted eventually but always return within the month.

"They are an intimidating presence as well as being a health risk with the fly-tipping and waste that accompanies them."

She said she also feared, if the situation continued as it had done, new businesses would be put off setting up their firms on the park.

West Mercia Police confirmed they had been contacted about the Travellers amidst complaints about excrement being found outside one of the premises, horses roaming around untethered and anti-social behaviour, such as children shouting, screaming and throwing stones.

The spokesperson said officers had spoken to the group this morning (March 25) and the Travellers told the police they would be moving at the weekend.

From speaking to business representatives, The Standard understands an order was issued to them last week to move on, but we are still awaiting a reply from the landowner.