IN PICTURES: 40 caravans move onto Dudley car park
More than 40 caravans have camped on Dudley's Castle Gate Island over the bank holiday weekend.
The car park to the right hand side of Showcase Cinemas has been occupied by caravans, vans, cars and bikes after travellers moved on to the site on Friday afternoon, at around 3.30pm.
Police have been present at the site to 'keep the peace', but as it is privately owned by Legal & General Investment Management, bailiffs have been requested to order the travellers off the site.
One onlooker, who did not wish to be named said: "I was at the cinemas Friday afternoon when they first moved on, there must have been more than 40 caravans.
"They might not be causing much trouble but people need to be made aware they are there."
Deb Edmonds, West Midlands Police spokesman said: "There has been a consistent police presence at the site of Castle Gate island since travellers moved on, on Friday afternoon.
"Due to the land being private property, bailiffs have been requested to order the travellers off the site and the police will continue to be present to keep the peace."
Councillor Margaret Aston said the council were aware of the issue and would be working to tackle future incidents.
She said: "The parking at Castle Gate island is a huge open space, especially at the back of the cinemas where the travellers are camped. The council are looking to tackle this issue in the future as I believe there have been previous incidents at the site over the last few years.
"It seems to be the case that travellers move from one site to another space of open land quite frequently and cause disruption."
