Travellers petition signed by 1,300 handed to council and police

More than 50 caravans toured the Delves area, foiling council attempts to evict them and pushing residents to breaking point. They finally left last week.

Piles of rubbish, including rubble and mattresses, were dumped on Delves Common before they went.

A petition was set up requesting that Walsall and Sandwell Council urgently look at action that could be taken to prevent travellers from setting up camp in the area again. More than 900 online signatures have been collected as with 438 paper signatures from angry residents.

Last week the chairman of a community group who had started the petition said tensions in the area were 'very high' between travellers and residents.

And in his petition, the chairman of the Yew Tree and Tame Bridge community group Darryl Magher pleads for 'a resolution' on the encampments in the area, adding 'this affects us all'.

Supporters call for police to take stronger action against travellers who cause anti-social behaviour.

The petition states: "In the case of the recent traveller encampment it hasn't just been prevalent, it has been out of control. This needs to be reviewed in light of recent events and to ensure that the safety and safeguarding of the community is paramount."

It continues: "Please may we draw your attention also to the comments on this petition and other forums, newspaper articles which show the depth of tension and feeling that is held in the community. There needs to be action taken to alleviate these tensions."

It has been handed over to the chief executives of Sandwell and Walsall Councils, Jan Britton and Paul Sheehan, and the chief inspector of West Midlands Police, Dave Thompson

The people backing the petition hope that high containment kerbs could be installed, making it more difficult for travellers to park up on land.

Last week the Express & Star revealed residents had complained of windows in their homes being broken and being threatened by youths.