An unauthorised encampment has been set up on Highfield Lane Recreation Ground in Quinton, Birmingham, with travellers moving in under the cover of darkness on Monday evening (August 3). Councillor Sam Forsyth has confirmed that caravans drove onto the site, and gate locks were cut to gain access.
Immediate Threat to Scheduled Tip Truck Visit
Councillor Forsyth warned that the encampment seriously threatens the scheduled visit of Birmingham City Council's rubbish trucks, which are due to arrive on Thursday (August 6). If the site is not cleared by then, the tip trucks may not be able to carry out their work.
"We have an unauthorised encampment on Highfield Lane Rec with more vehicles moving in under the cover of darkness," said Forsyth. "The gate locks were cut. This seriously threatens the tip trucks coming here on Saturday. I have contacted the police & council. The police have the power to move them quicker than the council. Please report this to the police."
Council Response and Available Transit Sites
Birmingham City Council has previously stated that it is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover it where unauthorised encampments occur. The authority highlighted that it provides usable transit sites and plots for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, in line with Government policy.
"The council has usable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, which is in line with Government policy," a council spokesperson said. "Details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website."
Community Concerns and Next Steps
Residents in Quinton have expressed concerns about the encampment, particularly regarding the potential disruption to waste collection services and the condition of the recreation ground. The council has urged residents to report any concerns to the police, who have the authority to act more swiftly than the council in such cases.
Councillor Forsyth has been actively liaising with both the police and council officers to resolve the situation. She has called on residents to contact the police to report the unauthorised encampment, emphasising that police have the power to move the travellers on more quickly than the council.
The situation remains fluid, with more vehicles reportedly moving onto the site. The council's tip trucks are scheduled for Thursday, and it remains to be seen whether the site will be cleared in time.
