Unauthorised Encampment at Swanshurst Park
A number of motorhomes, caravans and vehicles have been spotted at Swanshurst Park, off Yardley Wood Road and Swanshurst Lane in Kings Heath, as of Monday, July 27. The camp is located close to the children's play area, raising concerns among local residents and park users.
This marks the return of travellers to the site, after a previous group had set up camp there last month. The Friends of Swanshurst Park group posted on Facebook on Saturday, July 25, confirming the situation: 'Thank you to everyone who told me that unfortunately the travellers are back. I have reported it to the relevant department for the Eviction Notice to be served.'
Funfair Schedule Adds Urgency
The notification also mentioned that the council has scheduled a funfair at Swanshurst Park from July 31, lasting two weeks. The group added: 'The Park will definitely have to be cleared and cleaned by then.' This adds a timeline for the removal of the unauthorised encampment, as the funfair requires a clear and safe area.
Swanshurst Park is a popular green space in the Kings Heath area, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths. The presence of the travellers has disrupted normal park activities, though no incidents have been reported.
Larger Encampment at Bartley Green
This summer's largest traveller site remains an area of parkland off Barnes Hill in Bartley Green. Around 70 caravans, motorhomes and vehicles moved onto that site near an Asda supermarket at the start of June. That encampment drew significant attention and was eventually cleared following council intervention.
Birmingham City Council has a policy of actively protecting its land from unauthorised encampments. In a statement, the council 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.'
Council Provision for Traveller Sites
The council also highlighted the availability of legal stopping places for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community. 'The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community – which is in line with Government policy,' the statement continued. 'Details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website.'
These transit sites are intended to provide temporary accommodation for travellers, reducing the need for unauthorised encampments. However, the number of available pitches has been a subject of debate, with some community groups arguing that more permanent sites are needed.
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the encampment. Some have raised concerns about rubbish, noise, and access to the park, while others have called for understanding and dialogue. The Friends of Swanshurst Park continue to monitor the situation and liaise with the council.
Ongoing Issue Across Birmingham
The return of travellers to Swanshurst Park is part of a recurring pattern in Birmingham, with several parks and open spaces experiencing unauthorised encampments each summer. The council's approach involves serving eviction notices and, if necessary, seeking court orders to remove the groups.
As of July 27, the eviction process for Swanshurst Park is underway, with the aim to clear the park before the funfair begins on July 31. The council has not yet confirmed a specific date for the eviction.
This story continues to develop, and further updates are expected as the council takes action.
