Dozens of caravans have moved onto land near Middlemore Road and the River Rea in Northfield, sparking community concerns about potential fires. The unauthorised encampment has prompted local residents to report that open fires were lit overnight, raising alarm over safety.
Residents report overnight fires
One resident told BirminghamLive: "They had fires lit during the night as we could smell it. It's really irresponsible and putting us all in danger." Another said: "Extremely concerning with the fires as they're very close to people's properties." A third added: "It's putting people's lives in danger. Look at what just happened in Stourbridge."
The encampment is located near the River Rea, a beauty spot in the area, and the large convoy has upset locals who fear the fires could spread to nearby properties.
Police to serve Section 61 notice
Charlie Latchford, councillor for Longbridge and West Heath, said West Midlands Police had agreed to serve a Section 61 notice on the unauthorised encampment. This gives the force powers to move the group on. Responding to residents' concerns on Facebook, Councillor Latchford said: "Following our attendance at Bournville lane, and putting pressure on the police in addition to the high volume of calls, WMP has agreed to serve a Section 61. They're to vacate the area by 6pm today."
Elsewhere in the city, travellers have also pitched up near the Asda Superstore in Barnes Hill, indicating a wider issue with unauthorised encampments across Birmingham.
Council response to unauthorised encampments
BirminghamLive has contacted West Midlands Police, the fire service and Birmingham City Council for comment. Responding previously to a separate unauthorised encampment, the council said: "The council is committed to actively protecting its land. We will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it. We have useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community - which is in line with Government policy."
The council also noted that details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment, carried out and updated in 2019, can be found on its website. The Section 61 notice requires the group to leave the Middlemore Road site by 6pm today, and police have the power to enforce this.
