More than 50 caravans camp on West Bromwich playing fields

Travellers have set up camp at a park in the Black Country - just hours after a group was evicted from a site nearby.

More than 50 caravans moved onto Greets Green playing fields off Claypit Lane in West Bromwich yesterday evening.

It came shortly after a group were removed from Delves Green Common in Walsall the same night.

UPDATE: Dozens of travellers moved on from playing fields

More than 50 caravans were on the field off Claypit Lane

The site opposite Delves Junior School, in Bell Lane, The Delves, has been a hotspot for traveller camps in the past.

It is not known whether the groups are the same.

Sandwell Council officers, West Midlands Police and High Court enforcement officers were in attendance at Claypit Lane today in attempt to move the second group on.

Meanwhile, residents say caravans moved onto the common in Walsall on Tuesday morning.

Councillor Mohammad Nazir, who represents the Palfrey ward, said: "This is ongoing issue and last time we really felt that we addressed this problem.

"It is not just about travellers going on site but but it causes a lot of nuisance to the residents who live in the area.

"This is something we really need to address. We have put money aside to address this issue and its good news that prompt action is being taken to move them on."

Sandwell Council officers, West Midlands Police and High Court enforcement officers were at the scene

In September, residents living near Delves Common handed in a petition to Walsall Council, demanding action be taken to stop travellers pitching up at the beauty spot.

It was backed by more than 1,300 signatures.

Walsall Council confirmed, with the support of Sandwell Council - who own a small part of the site - and West Midlands Police, that the caravans vacated Delves Common on Wednesday evening.

A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: "The unauthorised occupiers on Delves Green Common vacated the site at 9pm last night following the injunction in place on the site, with the support from West Midlands Police and bailiffs.

"Officers from Sandwell Council, who are owners of part of the site also attended. Walsall Council's Clean and Green team will carry out a clean up on the site today."