An estimated 40 caravans and vehicles have taken over Witton Lakes in Stockland Green, Birmingham, as travellers set up camp at the beauty spot. The group arrived on Monday, July 6, and images from the scene show washing hanging from makeshift lines and horses roaming on the grass.
Eviction notice served
Coun Amar Khan confirmed that an eviction notice has been served, ordering the group to leave by the end of the week. “There’s around 40 caravans, I’m working with the council and a welfare check was done yesterday. The eviction notice has been served and they will be gone by Saturday,” he said.
Coun Khan described the situation: “They have clothes out, cars parked inside the park and driving them around. They’ve got animals, horses, dogs and faeces everywhere. We are going to have to get a crew out to clean it up.”
Impact on the community
Witton Lakes is a popular spot in the Erdington area, frequented by cyclists and locals seeking exercise. The presence of the travellers has disrupted access to the site, with vehicles driving within the park and waste left behind.
The council has stated there are alternative sites for travellers in the city. Birmingham City Council has previously 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.”
