Traffic fears over circus near Wolverhampton homes

Monday 25th October 2010, 4:37PM BST.

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Circus caravans have moved on to a field off Wolverhampton’s Wergs Road, angering nearby residents.

Ten caravans and lorries began pulling on to the 40-acre site yesterday.

Today they were installing a big top ready to stage five days of shows.

The land’s agent today said Peter Jolly’s Circus had permission to operate on the private land.

But families living nearby said they had been given no prior warning of the arrival, and feared it would lead to noise and traffic problems.

One resident said: “Everyone in this area is in uproar about this. There are probably ten caravans and lorries. We do not want this here.”

Tettenhall councillor Jonathan Yardley said he feared the circus would create traffic problems.

The land has been earmarked for a car boot sale. But the plans have been scuppered by an ancient by-law granted in 1258 because the sale could rival council-run markets.

It is the second time in weeks Peter Jolly’s Circus, which boasts animals including camels and zebras, has caused anger in the West Midlands.

Families in Brownhills protested against the troupe in Clayhanger this month.

Stephen Berg, agent for the land, said: “They are not doing anything wrong.”

Peter Jolly, who runs the circus, said: “We have a licence from South Staffordshire Council to be here.”


  1. 1
    flooperdave Tividale Expat

    For crying out loud !! let the children have some enjoyment for a few days – It’s not as if a maurding Camel or Zebra is going to do any damage – Give it over to the Kids then wave them goodbye when they leave – didn’t any of you go to see the circus in your lifetime !!
    We just had Barnums Circus in Cleveland Ohio they parade thru the city !! it’s fun all ages (plus I get some good stuff for my roses) So instead of talking a bunch of rose food WAKE UP & enjoy the Circus

    Report abuse

  2. 2
    Frank Batkin

    Sounds like a case of Not In My Back Yard to me, you are in a recession, give the kids something to cheer about.

    Report abuse

  3. 3
    sharon

    this lovely circus has been in codsall this week and have made no noise or caused any nuisance and it WAS so nice to see it in the village .

    Report abuse

  4. 4
    Cllr Bob Cope

    Peter Jollys Circus visited Shareshill earlier in the year they stayed for five days and caused the community no problems with traffic unlike the car boots.
    I attended one of their shows the animals were well looked after and the kids all enjoyed themselves,I think the circus may well struggle financially with all this negotive pubicity so why not support the circus and listen to the childrens laughter, parents will find it inexpensive and well worth the visit.

    Report abuse

  5. 5
    Dixie

    Typical nimby mentality. I pass this area several times a week and for the life of me cannot recall seeing a house or business that borders onto this land. This is probably one of the most perfect areas for such entertainment and I hope the nimbys and killjoys dont for once get their own way

    Report abuse

  6. 6
    gary

    I live in the Wergs road and as long as they are responsible leave them to it. I am sure many from Perton and surrounding areas will take their children along. Let the children have some fun although if we have major problems then they are not allowed back in future years. The queues for the cosford air show would be far greater stretching from Albrighton right back to Danescourt so give them a chance. Dont count me in as against them and I live at the Wergs. I hope they dont let us down.

    Report abuse

  7. 7
    better things to moan about

    negative reporting again !!!

    whats going on with the paper these days, a few years ago, they would run an article on the circus coming to town, now there trying to run it out of town. poor reporting !!!

    Report abuse

  8. 8
    Rach

    What a load of old codswallop this is!

    There are no houses within about a mile of this circus, and as it is not a group of travellers they will be leaving

    Report abuse

  9. 9
    16-1 Badboy

    Looks like the circus can recruit some clowns from the locals !

    Report abuse

  10. 10
    Carol

    HURRAY for the circus. Thanks for coming here, The majority of people love the circus. Ignore the moaning minnies. Lets hope a load of tinkers move on next month, give them something to moan about. Just a load of snobs who dont know what FUN means

    Report abuse

  11. 11
    Mark Smith

    I would say let the circus be, they’re not scummy pikeys after all, these guys are working and paying their taxes so good luck to them. BUT, I find it sad and disturbing that animals are still considered to be props by the lower types in our society. What a shame, shame being the operative word.

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  12. 12
    JACK the HAT.

    I loved Billy Smarts Circus and Pat Collins Fair.
    Come on folks brighten up. There was a ploughing competition and no-one complained of traffic problems then. By the way, it was a superb show.
    Not keen on Zebras being use though. If my grand daughter wasn’t on holiday I would be taking her.
    Live and let live, I’m sure the youngsters will enjoy the popcorn and brandy snap. JtH.

    Report abuse



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