Frustration is mounting among residents in Birmingham after a group of travellers established an unauthorised encampment in a popular local park, with claims that the council has failed to act for over a fortnight.
Council Inaction Sparks Local Anger
Dog walkers and locals living near Perry Barr Park report that at least ten caravans moved onto the hardstanding area of the communal green space more than two weeks ago. The site is located near the Alexander Stadium. One anonymous local, who reported the encampment to authorities when it first appeared, slammed Birmingham City Council for having 'done nothing' to take action during that entire period.
The resident stated: 'These travellers have been encamped on the hardstanding in the park for over two weeks and the council have done nothing. There's easily more than ten caravans.' The individual also confirmed they had reported the situation to the police due to the lack of council response.
Security Concerns and Litter Issues
Compounding the issue, the local claimed that recent council work to improve park security had inadvertently left the area more accessible. A height restriction barrier was damaged, allegedly by a vehicle trying to gain entry, and during its replacement, the site was left open 'for several days'. This, the resident argues, allowed anyone to enter.
Further adding to community concerns, discarded nitrous oxide cannisters, commonly known as 'laughing gas', have been found littered around the park since the travellers arrived. However, it has not been confirmed whether this litter is directly connected to the unauthorised camp.
Council Policy and a Contrasting Scene in London
When approached for comment on separate incidents, Birmingham City Council has previously stated it is 'committed to actively protecting its land' and would 'take steps to recover land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it'. A council spokesperson also highlighted that the authority provides 'usable transit sites and plots' for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, in line with national government policy.
The situation in Birmingham stands in stark contrast to events in London on the same day, where hundreds of travellers with around 270 horses undertook a sanctioned annual visit. The festive 'Christmas Drive' saw participants journey on a 14-mile route from Shadwell, passing Buckingham Palace and Soho, before ending at Borough Market near Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park—an event some now dub the new 'Appleby Horse Fair'.
Attendees like Kayla, who travelled from Barnsley, prepared meticulously, with some waking at 2am to get ready. She told reporters: 'I've been doing sunbeds for a month, lashes two days ago and [did] my lips this morning.' Others, like a group from Swansea, brought multiple vehicles and horses, treating the occasion as a major social and cultural gathering.
