Walsall Council plan more injunctions to curb illegal traveller camps

Walsall Council made the suggestion as it stated that the town is a 'no-go area' for unauthorised encampments.

The deputy leader of the Council, Councillor Lee Jeavons, admitted that the council could give 'serious consideration' to applying for a new injunction after recently being granted one that gave them greater powers to move travellers on from 12 sites across the borough.

Its new powers were used for the first time last week when travellers looking to set up camp on Delves Common were moved on within 24 hours as opposed to five days.

Sandwell Council has now said it is moving to have the same injunction granted as Walsall.

Since the success of the new injunction, Darlaston Councillor Doug James has called for more injunctions to be brought in – especially for areas in Darlaston which are not currently covered, including Kings Hill and George Rose Park.

He said: "Over the year Darlaston had been plagued by a high number of illegal traveller incursions at Great Bridge Road, Kings Hill and George Rose Park.

"The anti- social behaviour, vandalism and litter has added to costs met by Walsall Council, in responding to this ongoing problem.

"Currently, Darlaston has not been included on the select list of sites which have been identified as qualifying for protection under an injunction.

"A more vigorous approach is welcome but we all know the problem of illegal incursions has not been resolved."

In response Councillor Jeavons said the 12 sites were 'prioritised' but that the council was to keep reviewing unauthorised encampments and would seriously consider applying for more injunctions.

He said: "Those sites prioritised under the injunction were chosen based on a range of criteria.

"This included the number of encampments, the level of anti-social behaviour and the severity of impact to local populations.

"As part of the assessment used the council also took into account the cost of clean-ups.

"Going forward the council will keep under constant review any unauthorised encampments within the borough and, based on the above criteria, the council may give serious consideration of applying for another injunction to include additional sites within the borough.

"It's important that travellers realise that Walsall is a no-go area for unauthorised encampments."

Sandwell Council, which covers Wednesbury, has since decided to follow Walsall's lead and will be applying for the same court-granted injunction.