Travellers who set up camp on a popular park during half-term in Birmingham are set to be evicted. A convoy of caravans has been on Short Heath Fields in Erdington since the start of the last Bank Holiday weekend.
According to local reports, ponies have been roaming the land, which is used by football teams and walkers. An eviction notice has reportedly been served, and they are to leave by Monday.
Community reaction
A local group said on Facebook: "Please be aware travellers have landed on Short Heath Playing Fields. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings."
"The police have been contacted and they have spoken to the travellers, and the council have been informed. Unfortunately, there is nothing more that can be done until an eviction notice is issued. Our team have spoken to the travellers and asked them to be respectful to the neighbours and fields."
Councillors' statement
Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore said on May 23: "We have been contacted by residents regarding travellers breaking on to Short Heath Playing Fields at the moment. Birmingham Police have been rung and are on site, and we have also contacted Birmingham City Council and asked them to start eviction processes, clear up any mess and re-secure the fields."
The council previously said of illegal incursions: "Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it."
