A group of travellers have established a camp inside Sheldon Country Park, a popular Birmingham beauty spot, merely two weeks after the last eviction from the site. This latest incursion has reignited frustrations among local residents and park authorities.
Details of the Latest Encampment
The convoy reportedly gained access to the park via Horse Shoes Lane on Saturday afternoon, February 21. Unconfirmed social media reports indicate they managed to enter the site and are currently situated on the old tennis courts within the park grounds.
Local Response and Enforcement Actions
The Friends of Sheldon Country Park group confirmed they were informed about the breach. In a statement, they said, "We were informed that travellers have broken onto Sheldon Country Park via Horse Shoes Lane. We will be reporting this to enforcement first thing tomorrow morning and ensuring the relevant officers are made aware."
The group expressed gratitude to the member of the public who notified them immediately, highlighting community vigilance in such situations.
Background and Ongoing Issues
This incident follows a similar eviction around a fortnight ago, where travellers were told to leave the same site. The recurrence has prompted anger from locals, who question why the gate was not secured more effectively this time round.
Meanwhile, travellers are also currently camped at other locations in the area, including Billesley Common and in Marston Green, indicating a broader pattern of unauthorised encampments across Birmingham's green spaces.
Council Stance and Policy
Birmingham City Council has previously stated its commitment to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover it where unauthorised encampments occur. The council noted it has useable transit sites and plots available for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, in line with Government policy.
Details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment, carried out and updated in 2019, are available on the council's website, outlining official accommodations and strategies.
The situation underscores ongoing challenges in managing public spaces while balancing community needs and legal frameworks. Authorities are expected to address the latest encampment promptly, as residents await further updates on enforcement actions.
