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Neighbours tell gamers to Pokémon, Go from Black Country park

Pokémon Go players flocking to a park in the Black Country in their droves have been causing a headache for neighbours.

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Residents living near the Priory Ruins say the site has been inundated with players in recent weeks who meet up and try to catch virtual Pokémon on the mobile phone game.

They have been accused of parking on double yellow lines, music being played late at night and damage being caused to the ruins.

In one case it was reported an ambulance struggled to reach the home of a woman who needed hospital treatment due parked cars blocking the road.

Police have been patrolling the area

Council leaders say they welcome the game Pokémon Go bringing players to Dudley parks but reminded people to be respectful.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "We're pleased to see the Pokémon Go game is bringing people to our parks and open spaces and helping promote their use more widely, but we would also remind people of the need to park and behave respectfully.

"Priory ruins is a site of huge local importance and there are severe consequences for people caught causing damage. I would urge people to help protect this area by reporting any incidents to police."

One of the roads affected is Paganel Drive. Police have carried out patrols around the site in response to the parking issues.

The Pokémon Go: Black Country group holds weekly meetings at Priory Ruins

Councillor Ken Finch, for Castle and Priory Ward, said: "The three ward councillors have been having calls during the night (about the disturbances).

"It is nothing but disgusting what is happening. At the moment the players are disturbing quite a number of residents.

"We are very concerned. We have been in touch with the police department and the council to see what we can prevent."

Gill Griffiths, aged in her 60s, whose mother-in-law lives in the neighbourhood by the ruins, said: "My mother-in-law was taken by ambulance following a fall and I am concerned that an ambulance would not be able to access any of the houses.

"Many of the residents are elderly and need carers or help from relatives necessitating access."

The game has become hugely popular around the world with millions of people downloading the Pokémon Go game on their mobiles.

It combines the real world and virtual world of Pokémon Go which encourages players to travel explore the world to catch Pokémon.

Organiser of Pokémon Go: Black Country, Keiran Wilde, who set the group up with his friends and hold weekly meets at Priory Ruins, disagreed with the concerns and disturbances.

He said: "I don't agree. They should be glad kids are getting out the house, that is what everyone wants. One of my friends had been contacted by the council but we can't do anything about it, it is a public place."

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