Council workers have dug trenches and formed a bund across the frontage of Chinn Brook Recreation Ground in Yardley Wood, Birmingham, as part of short-term measures to prevent further unauthorised traveller encampments, particularly ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.
Convoys of caravans have repeatedly driven onto the park for years, setting up illegal encampments. Thousands of pounds are spent securing evictions and cleaning up, with groups moving onto other public spaces in a cycle that councillors describe as a merry-go-round.
Councillors welcome temporary measures but push for permanent defences
Councillors Joe Peacock and Chris Garghan, representing Billesley Greens, said: "We welcome the temporary measures being put in place around the park, but we are pushing to get more permanent defences in place as soon as possible."
They added: "We've seen multiple instances of unauthorised encampments on the park this Summer. We've had residents tell us that they have felt intimidated or threatened and do not feel safe using the park while they are there. Local volunteer clean-up groups have been pushed to the brink with the effort of cleaning up the rubbish left behind."
The trenches are designed to make accessing the park with large vehicles and caravans difficult whilst still allowing access for council lawn mowers and similar equipment.
Concrete blocks on order and city-wide park improvements under discussion
The councillors said: "We have been told that concrete blocks/bollards are on order to make accessing the gate even more difficult."
They also noted: "The final designs for improvements to defences as part of works to 32 of the city's parks and green spaces are currently being discussed and we hope to share them with residents as soon as possible."
The most recent incursion occurred on August 18, when around half a dozen caravans accompanied by a horsebox and horses drove onto the site.
Resident hopes trenches will stop the mess and protect wildlife
Local resident, park user, and litter picker John Pedley, 59, said: "Hopefully it will stop the travellers, from getting onto Chinn Brook Rec, as they cause so much mess. And have no regard for the wildlife and community and around them."
The council has been contacted for comment.
