A substantial convoy of travellers has occupied a Birmingham City Council-owned car park, taking over all available parking spaces including designated disabled bays.
Council Car Park Completely Occupied
The large group of caravans and vehicles moved onto the Sir Herbert Austin Car Park located behind Northfield High Street on Monday, February 9th, and remained in place throughout Tuesday. Community campaigner Paul Smith confirmed the occupation, stating he had been contacted by numerous concerned Northfield residents about the situation.
The 24-hour council facility normally provides 50 parking spaces, with fees starting from £1.50 for the first two hours and reaching up to £5.50 for daily parking. Images from the scene show vehicles occupying every single space, completely blocking public access to the car park.
Community Concerns and Council Response
Paul Smith expressed significant concerns on behalf of local residents, stating: "This facility has selfishly been taken away from them, including many disabled spaces. We are also scared of the waste that will be left behind and how much this is going to cost this already struggling council."
The car park serves as crucial infrastructure for Northfield High Street, used extensively by shoppers visiting local businesses. Its complete occupation has removed vital parking provision from the community during normal trading hours.
Birmingham City Council has been approached for comment regarding this specific incident. However, the authority has previously stated its position on such matters: "The council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it."
Additional Traveller Presence in Birmingham
This incident follows another unauthorised encampment elsewhere in Birmingham. A separate travelling group, reportedly including a horse, has currently occupied the Mount Street play park in Nechells, located near the Star City entertainment complex.
The dual incidents highlight ongoing challenges regarding unauthorised encampments on public land within Birmingham, with local authorities facing repeated situations requiring intervention and land recovery procedures.
