Travellers move in on West Bromwich playing fields

The group were said to have moved onto playing fields in Charlemont Farm estate on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents said a stand off with police and travellers took place before they drove onto the field.

Officers have since served an eviction order asking them to leave, while Sandwell Council is working to remove them from the site.

It is believed the travellers arrived after moving on from the Yew Tree estate in Walsall.

One resident, a woman who did not wished not to be named, said: "We were there when the travellers turned up yesterday.

"Only six vans had managed to get on and the police moved their cars across so the travellers couldn't get on.

"Half an hour after and the police were then prepared to stand with residents and sort it out.

"The police said to residents, because only six had got on, if the rest hadn't been allowed on they would probably have gone at some point.

"But their supervisor let them on after half an hour because the road was blocked.

"He just literally got in the car, moved it and let them on. At that point our battle was over because we couldn't win, they (travellers) were then threatening me."

Another resident described the playing field as a 'no go area' now and said travellers had padlocked a gate on the field.

West Midlands Police said they attended the scene but it is now a council matter to move them on.

Force spokesman Deb Edmund said: "We received numerous calls and we did attend, but it is a council matter to arrange for their removal."

Councillor Sue Philips, for Charlemont with Grove Vale ward, said: "We are obviously very disappointed that the travellers moved onto there.

"We think it is the group from the Yew Tree estate in Walsall.

"We are doing everything we can to get them moved on as quickly as possible.

"The council will do what they do normally to get them moved on as quickly as possible using the legislation available."

Councillor Liam Preece, for the same ward, added: "I have been assured that by Friday evening they would have been moved on."