Travellers have moved onto football pitches in a Birmingham park, setting up camp near the visitors centre. A convoy of caravans drove onto land near the visitors centre in Woodgate Valley Country Park, situated between Quinton and Bartley Green, on Saturday evening. According to reports, the lock on the gate had been broken to gain access.
Local Reaction
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "They arrived about 9pm; they cut off the lock to the white gate to gain access to the football field. They have come from Stonehouse Road opposite the Asda field." The resident added that local authorities have been informed about the situation.
Park Details
Woodgate Valley Country Park is a 450-acre area of countryside located in the heart of Bartley Green and Quinton. This incident follows a similar event approximately one week ago, when around 70 caravans, motorhomes, and vehicles occupied parkland on Barnes Hill, just yards from Asda.
Council Response
Birmingham City Council has reiterated its commitment to protecting its land. 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. 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 council also referenced the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment, carried out and updated in 2019, details of which are available on its website.
