From the Exeter Express and Echo
CROSSBOW menace Guzzy Lee has been handed a full Asbo banning him from a large part of an Exeter business park.
Traveller Lee, 26, was issued with the order by a court back in February after a reign of mayhem and terror on the Sowton Industrial Estate.
But it has only now come into force after officers were able to track him down and were able to serve him the paperwork.
Police said they hope this will mean Lee, who has since left the city, will never come back to Exeter.
The order was granted after a long history of anti-social behaviour by him since May 2009 mainly within the Travellers' site but his actions also affected neighbouring businesses.
In applying for it police said he was responsible for being abusive and threatening towards other residents on the site as well as deliberately starting several fires.
He also owned and used an air rifle and a crossbow leading to several properties on the industrial estate being damaged along with customer's motor vehicles.
He was responsible for damaging properties within the site, driving motor vehicles in an inappropriate manner with total disregard for the safety of other residents and being abusive to police when they were called to the site.
Lee was evicted from the site by Devon County Council but still continued to attend and behave in an anti-social manner. An interim Asbo was previously in place and since it was granted the crime rate has "significantly" dropped at the site, according to the police.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Sharon Tooze said: "Lee has been a thorough nuisance to the residents and local businesses of the Sowton Industrial Estate.
"The only condition on the Asbo is that Lee is not to enter an exclusion zone on Sowton Industrial Estate.
"This order is now in place indefinitely."
Lee's exclusion zone is an area of Sowton bounded by the M5 on its eastern side, Moto Services at the South, Kestrel Way, Bittern Road on the West and the A3015 in the North.
PC Tooze added: "I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the court hearing and have worked closely with Devon County Council, businesses and residents who were all affected by Lee's behaviour, to ensure a positive outcome.
"I am hoping that this result will highlight our continuing commitment to residents and business premises alike.
"The crime rate has depleted significantly since he has not been at the site after we got the interim Asbo in August last year.
"He did not turn up to court for the full Asbo hearing so we have just been able to track him down to serve him with the papers. He is no longer living locally and hopefully this will stop him from ever coming back."
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Travellers leave Churston site after boulders arrive - Devon
From the Herald Express
A GROUP of Travellers who set up camp in Churston have left after a local farmer arrived on the scene armed with 28 tonnes of boulders.
The four caravans appeared on the green between Bascombe Road and Dartmouth Road last week.
But after four days, Churston farmer and businessman Richard Haddock decided to block off all access points to the commons to prevent more Travellers setting up camp there.
He said he was asked by Churston Community Partnership which asked the permission of Torbay Council.
Mr Haddock said he was told to allow one access point so any vehicles could leave.
He said: " When we started putting down the boulders, they started clearing off."
Mr Haddock said he had now blocked off the last entry point onto the commons.
Altogether he and his employees put down some 28 tonnes of limestone boulders, including some weighing as much as two tonnes.
Mr Haddock said it took him about four hours to load and unload the boulders. He added: "There was no problems. They just left quickly."
Adam Billing, chairman of the Churston, Galmpton and Broadsands Community Partnership, thanked both Torbay Council and Mr Haddock for promptly acting to stop unauthorised vehicles on the common.
He said: "Various members of the community requested steps be taken to stop unauthorised vehicles on the commons. That was done very quickly and satisfactorily."
He said they would look at alternatives for the future such as a ditch or earth bank or even posts driven into the ground.
Meanwhile, the group is holding its next meeting at Churston Grammar School at 6.30pm on Wednesday, May 30.
A spokesman for Torbay Council said: "We did receive a letter from the chairman of the community partnership and in response gave permission for boulders to be placed on site."
A GROUP of Travellers who set up camp in Churston have left after a local farmer arrived on the scene armed with 28 tonnes of boulders.
The four caravans appeared on the green between Bascombe Road and Dartmouth Road last week.
But after four days, Churston farmer and businessman Richard Haddock decided to block off all access points to the commons to prevent more Travellers setting up camp there.
He said he was asked by Churston Community Partnership which asked the permission of Torbay Council.
Mr Haddock said he was told to allow one access point so any vehicles could leave.
He said: " When we started putting down the boulders, they started clearing off."
Mr Haddock said he had now blocked off the last entry point onto the commons.
Altogether he and his employees put down some 28 tonnes of limestone boulders, including some weighing as much as two tonnes.
Mr Haddock said it took him about four hours to load and unload the boulders. He added: "There was no problems. They just left quickly."
Adam Billing, chairman of the Churston, Galmpton and Broadsands Community Partnership, thanked both Torbay Council and Mr Haddock for promptly acting to stop unauthorised vehicles on the common.
He said: "Various members of the community requested steps be taken to stop unauthorised vehicles on the commons. That was done very quickly and satisfactorily."
He said they would look at alternatives for the future such as a ditch or earth bank or even posts driven into the ground.
Meanwhile, the group is holding its next meeting at Churston Grammar School at 6.30pm on Wednesday, May 30.
A spokesman for Torbay Council said: "We did receive a letter from the chairman of the community partnership and in response gave permission for boulders to be placed on site."
'Travellers can't stop here'... Residents united in protest over controversial camp proposals - Somerset
From the Somerset Guardian
Hundreds of residents have joined together to fight plans for a number of travellers sites across the district.
Public meetings, petitions and protests have all been organised to try to block the proposals by Bath and North East Somerset Council.
B&NES created a shortlist of seven sites after a review of 23 areas where consideration was given to creating 22 permanent pitches, 20 transit pitches and one showman's yard.
Among the most controversial of the proposed sites are those at Camerton, Stanton Wick and Radstock.
More than 150 residents in Camerton packed into a parish council meeting to formulate a plan to stop nine permanent pitches being built on the village's children's play area, which less than three years ago had been awarded a share of a £2.5 million pot given to B&NES to improve parks.
Parish council chairman Chris Taylor told residents he felt they were in a strong position to win their fight after meeting with B&NES officers and representatives from the travelling community who said that in their opinion the site was not appropriate.
Mr Taylor said there were fears the site could attract up to 90 people as families cram into the provided spaces.
He also questioned whether B&NES will enforce requirements which would see large pitches restricted to one static home, one touring caravan, two parking spaces an amenity building and a small garden.
Children have written letters telling B&NES to keep their hands off their play park and the parish council is in the process of contacting Sport England to inform them of the proposals to get rid of the sports ground.
Villagers have been promised the play area would be relocated but said there is no other safe area where it could be moved to.
Maggie Hutton, vice-chairwoman of the parish council, said: "If we don't fight with all our energy to the bitter end we will lose this essential and well-used community facility."
At Stanton Wick about 200 residents met to discuss the proposal to transform the former colliery site into 15 permanent pitches and five transit pitches.
They claim creating a site of that size would dwarf the existing community, there would be a significant impact on the nearby road network, it is unsuitable for public transport routes, is too far from local amenities and could be unsafe because of the former mine workings.
Clarke Osborne, who spoke on behalf of residents, said: "We have needed to mobilise very quickly as this very important news for this part of the Chew Valley came to our notice just ten days ago, despite, as we have learnt, this process being under way for more than a year.
"There is clearly something wrong with B&NES' process of informing residents of issues that could have a significant effect on their community."
The residents have set up a website, www.stantonwickactiongroup.org, to collect the views of local people.
In Radstock, concerns have also been raised about the former infant school canteen site.
Labour ward councillor Eleanor Jackson has questioned why the site was selected to take two pitches when in her view it could take considerably more houses or flats, but has praised B&NES for addressing its statutory obligation to provide homes from travelling people.
Dr Jackson said: "This prominent hilltop site is sandwiched between traditional white lias terraces, and would have had 14 houses on it by now had not the 2008 design submitted for three of the houses been of such poor quality for a conservation area that the council's planning officer rejected it.
"Given the acute shortage of affordable homes and social housing, I would question both the change of use and the decision to sell the land for less than its value as a housing site.
"There are several highly suitable sites in the Radstock area, but this is not one of them."
Hundreds of residents have joined together to fight plans for a number of travellers sites across the district.
Public meetings, petitions and protests have all been organised to try to block the proposals by Bath and North East Somerset Council.
B&NES created a shortlist of seven sites after a review of 23 areas where consideration was given to creating 22 permanent pitches, 20 transit pitches and one showman's yard.
Among the most controversial of the proposed sites are those at Camerton, Stanton Wick and Radstock.
More than 150 residents in Camerton packed into a parish council meeting to formulate a plan to stop nine permanent pitches being built on the village's children's play area, which less than three years ago had been awarded a share of a £2.5 million pot given to B&NES to improve parks.
Parish council chairman Chris Taylor told residents he felt they were in a strong position to win their fight after meeting with B&NES officers and representatives from the travelling community who said that in their opinion the site was not appropriate.
Mr Taylor said there were fears the site could attract up to 90 people as families cram into the provided spaces.
He also questioned whether B&NES will enforce requirements which would see large pitches restricted to one static home, one touring caravan, two parking spaces an amenity building and a small garden.
Children have written letters telling B&NES to keep their hands off their play park and the parish council is in the process of contacting Sport England to inform them of the proposals to get rid of the sports ground.
Villagers have been promised the play area would be relocated but said there is no other safe area where it could be moved to.
Maggie Hutton, vice-chairwoman of the parish council, said: "If we don't fight with all our energy to the bitter end we will lose this essential and well-used community facility."
At Stanton Wick about 200 residents met to discuss the proposal to transform the former colliery site into 15 permanent pitches and five transit pitches.
They claim creating a site of that size would dwarf the existing community, there would be a significant impact on the nearby road network, it is unsuitable for public transport routes, is too far from local amenities and could be unsafe because of the former mine workings.
Clarke Osborne, who spoke on behalf of residents, said: "We have needed to mobilise very quickly as this very important news for this part of the Chew Valley came to our notice just ten days ago, despite, as we have learnt, this process being under way for more than a year.
"There is clearly something wrong with B&NES' process of informing residents of issues that could have a significant effect on their community."
The residents have set up a website, www.stantonwickactiongroup.org, to collect the views of local people.
In Radstock, concerns have also been raised about the former infant school canteen site.
Labour ward councillor Eleanor Jackson has questioned why the site was selected to take two pitches when in her view it could take considerably more houses or flats, but has praised B&NES for addressing its statutory obligation to provide homes from travelling people.
Dr Jackson said: "This prominent hilltop site is sandwiched between traditional white lias terraces, and would have had 14 houses on it by now had not the 2008 design submitted for three of the houses been of such poor quality for a conservation area that the council's planning officer rejected it.
"Given the acute shortage of affordable homes and social housing, I would question both the change of use and the decision to sell the land for less than its value as a housing site.
"There are several highly suitable sites in the Radstock area, but this is not one of them."
Travellers set up camp in Bournemouth's Winter Gardens car park - Dorset
From the Bournmouth Echo
TRAVELLERS have set up camp in one of Bournemouth’s busiest town centre car parks just days before the Bank Holiday weekend.
Three caravans are taking up dozens of spaces on the upper level of the Winter Gardens car park, opposite the Royal Exeter Hotel.
The caravans, a van and a number of cars arrived yesterday and occupants made themselves at home, hanging out washing and hooking up gas bottles.
The Winter Gardens is one of the busiest car parks in Bournemouth with prices at just 50p an hour and £2 for three hours. Bournemouth Council has applied to the county court to get eviction proceedings under way.
An illegal Traveller encampment at Beach Road car park, Branksome Chine, Poole, was still in place yesterday as the Daily Echo went to press.
This was despite the 1pm deadline for their departure having passed hours earlier.
Borough of Poole officials served an eviction order on 11 caravans on Tuesday lunchtime, giving the Travellers 24-hours to vacate. Officials said they were “now liasing with police”.
TRAVELLERS have set up camp in one of Bournemouth’s busiest town centre car parks just days before the Bank Holiday weekend.
Three caravans are taking up dozens of spaces on the upper level of the Winter Gardens car park, opposite the Royal Exeter Hotel.
The caravans, a van and a number of cars arrived yesterday and occupants made themselves at home, hanging out washing and hooking up gas bottles.
The Winter Gardens is one of the busiest car parks in Bournemouth with prices at just 50p an hour and £2 for three hours. Bournemouth Council has applied to the county court to get eviction proceedings under way.
An illegal Traveller encampment at Beach Road car park, Branksome Chine, Poole, was still in place yesterday as the Daily Echo went to press.
This was despite the 1pm deadline for their departure having passed hours earlier.
Borough of Poole officials served an eviction order on 11 caravans on Tuesday lunchtime, giving the Travellers 24-hours to vacate. Officials said they were “now liasing with police”.
Travellers move onto vacant A505 pub site - Hertfordshire
From the Royston Crow
TRAVELLERS have moved on to land behind a derelict pub weeks after a planning application to convert it into a 70-room budget hotel were lodged.
Three caravans moved on to land to the rear of the Horse and Groom pub on the A505 and have been encamped for 12 days.
As the land is privately owned there is nothing South Cambs District Council can do to evict them but the owner Stuart Findlay has asked bailiffs to remove them.
“I don’t think it will affect the planning application due to the length of the planning process and certainly the building work,” he said.
“But there is always a risk they will return as it is a big two acre site and there is a good hard surface. There is always a temptation for our Traveller friends to set up.
“Obviously I’m very worried about it but we just have to hope that South Cambs will allow us to build the budget hotel on the site.”
Mr Findlay also expressed concern about the safety of the Travellers leaving the site as the entrance leads on to a 70mph road and the sight line is blocked by the pub.
If approved his plan for the site would see a new Ibis hotel built back from the road and would also incorporate a large car park, conference rooms and a restaurant.
This is the third time Mr Findlay has tried to build a hotel on the site with the district council blocking previous efforts in 2006 and 2007 to develop the pub which has sat empty for more than six years.
However , permission for a restaurant was granted in 2009 but the businessman wants to build a hotel and feels there is a need in Crow country.
The planning application is being put forward in association with Beacon Planning.
Charmain Hawkins, an associate of the firm, said: “Those with business and civic interests in Royston and the surrounding area were supportive of a new amenity which will not only bring additional employment opportunities to the area but which will also provide much-needed hotel accommodation for Travellers en route across the area’s busy network of road connections.
“We’re confident that a hotel is the type of suitable development of the site as it will serve a range of local needs.”
The planning application is being considered by SCDC with a decision expected in the summer.
TRAVELLERS have moved on to land behind a derelict pub weeks after a planning application to convert it into a 70-room budget hotel were lodged.
Three caravans moved on to land to the rear of the Horse and Groom pub on the A505 and have been encamped for 12 days.
As the land is privately owned there is nothing South Cambs District Council can do to evict them but the owner Stuart Findlay has asked bailiffs to remove them.
“I don’t think it will affect the planning application due to the length of the planning process and certainly the building work,” he said.
“But there is always a risk they will return as it is a big two acre site and there is a good hard surface. There is always a temptation for our Traveller friends to set up.
“Obviously I’m very worried about it but we just have to hope that South Cambs will allow us to build the budget hotel on the site.”
Mr Findlay also expressed concern about the safety of the Travellers leaving the site as the entrance leads on to a 70mph road and the sight line is blocked by the pub.
If approved his plan for the site would see a new Ibis hotel built back from the road and would also incorporate a large car park, conference rooms and a restaurant.
This is the third time Mr Findlay has tried to build a hotel on the site with the district council blocking previous efforts in 2006 and 2007 to develop the pub which has sat empty for more than six years.
However , permission for a restaurant was granted in 2009 but the businessman wants to build a hotel and feels there is a need in Crow country.
The planning application is being put forward in association with Beacon Planning.
Charmain Hawkins, an associate of the firm, said: “Those with business and civic interests in Royston and the surrounding area were supportive of a new amenity which will not only bring additional employment opportunities to the area but which will also provide much-needed hotel accommodation for Travellers en route across the area’s busy network of road connections.
“We’re confident that a hotel is the type of suitable development of the site as it will serve a range of local needs.”
The planning application is being considered by SCDC with a decision expected in the summer.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Court order demands Travellers in Beccles move on - Suffolk
A group of Travellers who were temporarily allowed to stay on a former tip have been given a court order demanding they move.
The Travellers set up camp on the old Beccles household waste recycling site in the middle of January but are still there despite agreeing to leave by the end of last week.
Suffolk county councillor Chris Punt told Beccles Town Council on Tuesday night that he was “very disappointed” after the agreement had been reached at two “tolerance meetings”.
At the meetings, which included district councillors, the police, Norfolk and Suffolk county councils, the town council and representatives from the group, it was agreed that they would leave by Friday, April 27.
Mr Punt added that a “softer” approach had been taken than he would have liked and he would learn from this in the future.
The Travellers set up camp on the old Beccles household waste recycling site in the middle of January but are still there despite agreeing to leave by the end of last week.
Suffolk county councillor Chris Punt told Beccles Town Council on Tuesday night that he was “very disappointed” after the agreement had been reached at two “tolerance meetings”.
At the meetings, which included district councillors, the police, Norfolk and Suffolk county councils, the town council and representatives from the group, it was agreed that they would leave by Friday, April 27.
Mr Punt added that a “softer” approach had been taken than he would have liked and he would learn from this in the future.
Travellers’ camp sparks eviction calls - Dudley
From the Express and Star
Travellers have moved onto part of a Black Country industrial estate, sparking pleas for legal action to have them evicted.
Around 10 caravans are on Excelsior Industrial Estate, near Halesowen.
Police and Dudley Council officers are monitoring the situation to ensure that no damage is being caused.
Site owners Langtree today said they were monitoring the site, off Cakemore Road, Blackheath. They added they were taking legal advice about the travellers in a bid to force them off the land.
Caravans, motorhomes and other vans and cars can been seen from the roadside, prompting concern. The vehicles are parked up around a large disused part of the land.
Halesowen North Councillor Jeff Hill was contacted by residents about Travellers moving onto the site in recent days.
He said: “Legally it is the responsibility of land owners to get the travellers to move and Langtree are doing everything they can to get the group off their land as quickly as they can.
“I have asked council officers to make sure that they check nearby council owned open spaces to ensure they are secure, and will not be the group’s next destination.” In 2010, another group of Travellers had previously moved onto the industrial estate before being moved on following action by local councillors, the police and the site owners.
A spokesperson for Langtree Group said: “We are consulting with our legal advisers and working closely with Dudley Council and West Midlands Police to seek a swift resolution to this matter. We are unable to make any further comment at this stage.”
Just a few weeks ago, Travellers broken through steel gates on an overflow car park at the Black Country Living Museum, in Dudley. Eight caravans and a motorhome stayed on the site in Tipton Road for 13 days before leaving.
Travellers have moved onto part of a Black Country industrial estate, sparking pleas for legal action to have them evicted.
Around 10 caravans are on Excelsior Industrial Estate, near Halesowen.
Police and Dudley Council officers are monitoring the situation to ensure that no damage is being caused.
Site owners Langtree today said they were monitoring the site, off Cakemore Road, Blackheath. They added they were taking legal advice about the travellers in a bid to force them off the land.
Caravans, motorhomes and other vans and cars can been seen from the roadside, prompting concern. The vehicles are parked up around a large disused part of the land.
Halesowen North Councillor Jeff Hill was contacted by residents about Travellers moving onto the site in recent days.
He said: “Legally it is the responsibility of land owners to get the travellers to move and Langtree are doing everything they can to get the group off their land as quickly as they can.
“I have asked council officers to make sure that they check nearby council owned open spaces to ensure they are secure, and will not be the group’s next destination.” In 2010, another group of Travellers had previously moved onto the industrial estate before being moved on following action by local councillors, the police and the site owners.
A spokesperson for Langtree Group said: “We are consulting with our legal advisers and working closely with Dudley Council and West Midlands Police to seek a swift resolution to this matter. We are unable to make any further comment at this stage.”
Just a few weeks ago, Travellers broken through steel gates on an overflow car park at the Black Country Living Museum, in Dudley. Eight caravans and a motorhome stayed on the site in Tipton Road for 13 days before leaving.
Briefing on Government Planning policy for Traveller sites
From the Irish Traveller Movement
The Government’s new Planning policy for Traveller sites– published on March 26 following the budget – is much more like its abolished predecessor, planning circular 1/06, than the government has presented. The fact remains that Councils will still have to identify additional sites, based on robust evidence of need.
Read the full briefing here
The Government’s new Planning policy for Traveller sites– published on March 26 following the budget – is much more like its abolished predecessor, planning circular 1/06, than the government has presented. The fact remains that Councils will still have to identify additional sites, based on robust evidence of need.
Read the full briefing here
Meeting over Traveller vans - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Evening Post
Travellers who moved off private land in Preston have pitched up a few miles away in Walton-le-Dale.
Around half a dozen caravans, with 12 adults and eight children, parked up on a patch of privately-owned land off Duddle Lane in Walton-le-Dale, near to the junction with Chorley Road.
It is understood they relocated to the area on Monday after moving on from private land near the retail area off Queen Street in Avenham, where they had been staying for more than a week.
A meeting was due to be held yesterday afternoon between the Travellers, the Walton-le-Dale landowner, South Ribble Council, a Traveller liaison officer from Lancashire County Council and Lancashire police.
The matter was reported to the police on Monday.
However, because the caravans are on private land, the police and local councils are limited in what action they can take to move them on, with responsibility for the ground falling to the landowner.
The borough council had said it facilitated the meeting and will assist with waste removal from the site if necessary.
Walton-le-Dale Coun Mike Nelson said: “It is a piece of land behind a nursing home which I think was down for development.
“The council is looking into it and all the agencies are involved.
“We’ve never had any problems here before.”
The patch of land used to have a bungalow on it but it has since been cleared.
Another group of travellers upset business owners in Farington in Leyland last month.
A dozen caravans pitched up on a piece of land near the entrance to the Centurion Industrial Estate on April 15.
That attracted complaints from firms that it was making access difficult for delivery drivers.
The travellers left within a week.
Travellers who moved off private land in Preston have pitched up a few miles away in Walton-le-Dale.
Around half a dozen caravans, with 12 adults and eight children, parked up on a patch of privately-owned land off Duddle Lane in Walton-le-Dale, near to the junction with Chorley Road.
It is understood they relocated to the area on Monday after moving on from private land near the retail area off Queen Street in Avenham, where they had been staying for more than a week.
A meeting was due to be held yesterday afternoon between the Travellers, the Walton-le-Dale landowner, South Ribble Council, a Traveller liaison officer from Lancashire County Council and Lancashire police.
The matter was reported to the police on Monday.
However, because the caravans are on private land, the police and local councils are limited in what action they can take to move them on, with responsibility for the ground falling to the landowner.
The borough council had said it facilitated the meeting and will assist with waste removal from the site if necessary.
Walton-le-Dale Coun Mike Nelson said: “It is a piece of land behind a nursing home which I think was down for development.
“The council is looking into it and all the agencies are involved.
“We’ve never had any problems here before.”
The patch of land used to have a bungalow on it but it has since been cleared.
Another group of travellers upset business owners in Farington in Leyland last month.
A dozen caravans pitched up on a piece of land near the entrance to the Centurion Industrial Estate on April 15.
That attracted complaints from firms that it was making access difficult for delivery drivers.
The travellers left within a week.
Travellers move onto Wolverhampton car park
From the Express and Star
Gypsies have moved on to a car park in Wolverhampton city centre.
The five caravans have parked up on the Faulkland Street car park, just off the Wolverhampton Ring Road.
Council officers at Wolverhampton City Council believe that it is the same group of French Travellers who set up camp in Wednesfield last year.
They have been ordered to leave the land by the end of the week.
The council’s head of regulatory services, Andy Jervis, said the council had not received any complaints so far but had already met with the Travellers. “We have advised them that they are acting illegally and that they must not cause any noise and must leave the site tidy,” he added.
Heath Town ward councillor Milkinder Jaspal said the caravans had appeared on the car park overnight from Friday to Saturday, and added that he had received a number of calls from concerned residents.
“We seem to get situations like this a lot,” he said. “The main problem is that they leave behind such a mess. That’s what gets people annoyed.
“It costs the council thousands of pounds to clear it up which could be better spent on other services. It’s not right and it’s not fair. This is a busy, well-used car park for people heading into the city centre. It is a concern.”
A total of £2,500 of taxpayers’ cash was spent on clearing a site in Wednesfield last May after nine caravans set up camp at the junction of Planetary Road and Wednesfield Way.
The council was forced to spend £735 on legal fees before the Travellers moved on in June. A total of £1,500 was spent securing the area.
Last summer, 17 caravans rolled up Cambridge Street, Heath Town. It cost more than £2,500 to clear the site and hire bailiffs to move them on.
Gypsies have moved on to a car park in Wolverhampton city centre.
The five caravans have parked up on the Faulkland Street car park, just off the Wolverhampton Ring Road.
Council officers at Wolverhampton City Council believe that it is the same group of French Travellers who set up camp in Wednesfield last year.
They have been ordered to leave the land by the end of the week.
The council’s head of regulatory services, Andy Jervis, said the council had not received any complaints so far but had already met with the Travellers. “We have advised them that they are acting illegally and that they must not cause any noise and must leave the site tidy,” he added.
Heath Town ward councillor Milkinder Jaspal said the caravans had appeared on the car park overnight from Friday to Saturday, and added that he had received a number of calls from concerned residents.
“We seem to get situations like this a lot,” he said. “The main problem is that they leave behind such a mess. That’s what gets people annoyed.
“It costs the council thousands of pounds to clear it up which could be better spent on other services. It’s not right and it’s not fair. This is a busy, well-used car park for people heading into the city centre. It is a concern.”
A total of £2,500 of taxpayers’ cash was spent on clearing a site in Wednesfield last May after nine caravans set up camp at the junction of Planetary Road and Wednesfield Way.
The council was forced to spend £735 on legal fees before the Travellers moved on in June. A total of £1,500 was spent securing the area.
Last summer, 17 caravans rolled up Cambridge Street, Heath Town. It cost more than £2,500 to clear the site and hire bailiffs to move them on.
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