Convoy of caravans move onto popular park

Travellers[1] have moved onto Kings Heath park.[2] A convoy of around a dozen caravans and other vehicles moved onto the car park at the green Flag site on Tuesday morning (Nov 28).

Councillor David Barker said the group had been served notice to leave the site by Friday. Meanwhile, some travellers are said to remain in Highbury Park after arriving at the weekend and pitching up on the car park.

A passer-by said on Tuesday: “There were around 10 to 15 caravans, cars on the car park. There were dogs barking and people walking around.”

Councillor David Barker said: “A group of travellers arrived in Kings Heath[4] Park today and have been served with notice today to leave by Friday as the car park here isn’t a suitable location for travellers to stay. However, it’s important that safe locations are found for their community – one that faces an enormous amount of prejudice.”

Travellers have moved onto Highbury Park in Moseley
Travellers have moved onto Highbury Park in Moseley

The council has said previously with regards to traveller incursions: ” Birmingham City Council[5] 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.”

References

  1. ^ Travellers (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  2. ^ Kings Heath park. (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  3. ^