A large convoy of travellers has established an encampment on a car park adjacent to a retail park in Wednesbury. The group was seen settling in near Gallagher Retail Park, located just off Axletree Way, on Wednesday, May 27.
The retail complex hosts several well-known retailers, including B&Q, IKEA, Costa Coffee, Decathlon, and Greggs.
BirminghamLive has reached out to Sandwell Council for a statement regarding the situation.
According to the council's official website, local authorities and police are legally obligated to evaluate the needs of the travellers within 24 hours of being notified of their presence. This assessment includes checking the cleanliness of the site, whether any highways or public rights of way have been obstructed, and the extent of disruption caused to local residents and businesses.
The website further states: "The Government advises that, where travellers are following a code of conduct, they may be allowed to stay for a short period before moving on. However, should the occupants of the encampment fail to follow the code of conduct, the council can immediately start proceedings to remove them."
It also clarifies that the council will not take steps to remove unauthorized encampments from private land but may, in some circumstances, offer advice and assistance to the landowner. The council cannot provide legal advice or recommend specific legal actions to landowners.
The statement adds: "Private landowners do have powers they can use to evict trespassers from the land they own but should seek their own independent legal advice about how to use those powers. There can be serious consequences for any landowner who does not follow the correct, lawful procedures."
Any incidents of anti-social or criminal behavior should be reported to West Midlands Police by calling 101, the non-emergency telephone number.
