Residents in Birmingham are 'on alert' after a massive convoy of travellers set up camp at a local park. More than 18 caravans, motorhomes and vehicles were seen at Parkdale Park, just off Longbridge Lane in the West Heath area of the city. This follows a previous visit to the same site in April last year.
Residents 'living in fear'
Locals reported that they are 'living in fear' due to previous incidents of stone-throwing and alleged thefts. A resident told BirminghamLive: 'A large number of travellers have broken onto Parkdale/Fairfax plating fields. The same group caused havoc on a previous visit. Locals are now on alert and living in fear.'
Camp near school
The temporary camp surrounds a basketball court, which is yards from Albert Bradbeer Primary School. A traveller group also occupied the same site in June 2024.
Council response
Birmingham City Council said it is committed to protecting its land and will take steps to recover it from unauthorised encampments. A council spokesperson stated: '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. Details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website.'
