Travellers Occupy Car Park at Swanshurst Park in Birmingham
A large convoy of travellers has taken over the car park at Swanshurst Park in Billesley, Birmingham, after arriving on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The group moved to this location following an eviction from Billesley Common, continuing what local officials describe as a recurring issue in the area.
Eviction Notice Served by Birmingham City Council
The Friends of Swanshurst Park posted on Facebook that an eviction notice has been served, requiring the travellers to leave by Monday, February 23. This action is part of the council's ongoing efforts to manage unauthorised encampments on public land.
Moseley Councillor Izzy Knowles expressed concern over the situation, stating, "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." She added that this has caused local families to fear taking their children to play during the half-term holiday.
Recurring Incursions and Community Impact
This is not the first time travellers have set up at Swanshurst Park. In August of the previous year, a group gained access just a day after the council installed concrete barriers to prevent vehicle entry. Councillor Knowles highlighted the need for better coordination with police to address what she called a "constant merry-go-round" of groups moving between public parks.
The council has previously emphasised its commitment to protecting its land, stating, "Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it." They also noted that usable transit sites are available for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community, in line with government policy.
Ongoing Challenges and Local Reactions
Despite these measures, Councillor Knowles pointed out that the council does not seem closer to identifying suitable sites to direct travellers to, exacerbating the cycle of encampments. The situation has sparked discussions about the need for more effective strategies to balance community safety with the rights of traveller groups.
Local residents and park users have expressed frustration over the disruption, particularly during school holidays when families rely on public spaces for recreation. The council continues to monitor the situation and plans to serve further eviction notices as necessary to resolve the incursion at Swanshurst Park.
