Walsall Council's £191,000 bill to stop travellers with kerb scheme

More than 1,300 people signed a petition demanding action to prevent illegal encampments at Delves Green which became the scene of chaos earlier this year when more than 50 caravans pitched up.

But now a council report has revealed the bank-busting figure of putting the raised 'containment' kerbs around the site – which is nearly twice the amount bosses set aside for traveller-preventing measures throughout the entire borough.

In a further blow to campaigners the council confirmed the area has 'town and village green' status which restricts what can be done there.

The report, set to be tabled at the Corporate and Public Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, states: "In considering the use of protective measures on a site, consideration has to be given to their effectiveness, maintaining the intended use of the site, the impact of the measures on people who use the site, including those with disabilities and the cost.

"The amount of money agreed at cabinet in August for additional security measures on sites was up to £100k. An indicative cost for the installation of high containment kerbs at Delves Green is about £191,000.

"Consideration has also to be given to the specific restrictions at this site by its status as a Town & Village Green."

Walsall Council needs to save £86m in the next four years and has unveiled a raft of possible cost-cutting measures casting doubt over whether bosses wold be able to find £191,000 for the proposed work.

But Councillor Mohammad Nazir, who represents the area, remained hopeful a solution could be found.

He said: "That is quite a bit of money but I am not going to prejudge anything at the moment.

"It will probably be difficult to spend that much on it. But these are the suggestions from the local people."