Most of the travellers who had occupied Swanshurst Park in Billesley have now left, prompting discussions about new preventative measures including ditches, raised mounds, and extended knee-rails to deter future illegal encampments. The group, which arrived on Saturday, July 24, 2026, with caravans, motorhomes, and vehicles, has almost entirely departed, leaving behind a site that will undergo a thorough clean-up ahead of a scheduled funfair starting July 31.
Background of the Encampment
The recent occupation followed a similar illegal encampment at the same park in June 2026. On July 24, travellers moved onto Swanshurst Park, a popular green space in the Billesley area of Birmingham, raising concerns among local residents and councillors. The park, which features a children’s play area and sports facilities, has been targeted multiple times, prompting calls for permanent solutions.
Councillors' Response and Prevention Plans
Billesley Greens councillors Joe Peacock and Chris Garghan, representing the Green Party, have been actively communicating with Birmingham City Council. In a social media update, they stated: “The travellers on Swanshurst Park have mostly cleared as of this morning, with only a few stragglers to leave. We know that there is a lot of clearing up to do and Joe has been in contact with the head of City operations to arrange for a thorough cleaning of the park – including areas missed from last time – on Friday, once we know the site will be completely vacated.”
The councillors also addressed prevention measures: “We have had lots of people ask about putting in new protections – including extending the knee-rail, digging ditches and raising mounds. There is currently a pot of money which will shortly be made available for putting in these works at 32 city parks, including Swanshurst Park. However, we have not yet seen the detail, but will keep people updated.”
Council's Official Stance
Birmingham City Council reiterated its commitment to protecting its land. In a statement, a council spokesperson 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. Details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website.”
Impact on the Community and Upcoming Events
The encampment forced the cancellation or delay of some park activities, but the funfair planned from July 31 is set to proceed after the clean-up. The repeated occupations have frustrated local residents, who have called for stronger deterrents. The proposed ditches and mounds are designed to make it physically difficult for vehicles to access the park, while the knee-rail extension will block entry points. These measures are part of a broader city-wide initiative to protect 32 parks from similar incursions, with funding already allocated.
Conclusion
With the travellers now gone, attention turns to implementing the prevention measures and restoring the park for community use. Councillors Peacock and Garghan have promised to keep residents informed as plans develop. The council continues to provide transit sites for the Traveller community as an alternative to unauthorised encampments.
