‘Merry-go-round’ continues as travellers move to another Birmingham park

Travellers have moved on to the car park at Swanshurst Park

Travellers have taken over the car park of a much-loved Birmingham beauty spot.

A large convoy of caravans are using up parking spaces at Swanshurst Park, Billesley, after arriving on Thursday (Feb 19).

The Friends of Swanshurst Park posted on Facebook that an eviction notice had been served and the group would have leave by Monday (Feb 23).

Read More: Teen stabbed to death outside Smethwick mosque named by police

Travellers have set up at the popular park multiple times over the years.

Last August, a group still managed to gain access a day after after the council installed concrete barriers in an attempt to halt vehicles.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.

Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Moseley Councillor Izzy Knowles said of the latest incursion: “I’ve received reports that a traveller group have moved onto the car park of Swanshurst Park next to the children’s playground, after being evicted from Billesley Common.

“This is not a suitable place for an encampment and has caused local families to be fearful of taking their children to play during half term holiday.

“The council are aware and will serve a further eviction notice.

“Unfortunately they do not seem to be any closer to identifying suitable sites for the travellers to be directed to.

“There also needs to be better coordination with the police to prevent a repeat of the constant merry go round we see year after year with the same groups moving from one public park to another.”

The council has previously said: ” Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it.

“The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community – which is in line with Government policy – and details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website.”