Express & Star

Tough new powers to tackle illegal travellers in Sandwell

New powers to force illegal travellers camps to move on within 24 hours are poised to be rubber stamped tomorrow.

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Sandwell has been plagued by problems with illegal camps with the estimated cost of dealing with them put at a quarter of a million pounds a year.

The borough has been blighted by a 25 per cent rise in camps in the last 18 months and chiefs are hoping to use injunctions like those neighbouring Walsall is using already.

These enable authorities to break up illegal camps much quicker than with their normal powers.

Only four councils in the country have so far brought in the powers – with Sandwell set to become the fifth if the council's cabinet approves plans.

The council hopes, by following the proposed process, issues that can arise from travellers - such as noise, fly tipping and site damage - can be resolved efficiently.

Council leader Steve Eling said: "Sandwell has been a massive increase in numbers of travellers moving onto public sites and breaking into private premises.

"It's a major concern for local residents are crime rates have gone up, damage is done and enormous amounts of rubbish is left behind.

"We're hoping that this new approach will make the the situation better for local communities."

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