Express & Star

Faeces and food left by travellers in Stafford as Darlaston camp remains

An illegal travellers camp remains on a park in Darlaston, while the clean-up is complete in Stafford after another group was moved on.

Published
Travellers at George Rose Park in Darlaston

Walsall Council issued the group of more than 40 vehicles in Darlaston with notices to leave George Rose park on Wednesday.

But yesterday they were still at the site next to Grace Academy, five days after they arrived on Saturday.

Officers were last night pursuing a court order to move them on.

Councillor Garry Perry, portfolio holder for community, leisure and culture said: “I can confirm that notices have been served requiring the occupants to vacate George Rose Park.

"If they have not left officers will make an application to the court for a hearing.

“There is a well established legal process that we have to follow which, although frustrating for those affected, ‎cannot be avoided.”

“There is a well established legal process that we have to follow.”

The park was built in the 1920s, the brainchild of Darlaston benefactor George Rose.

Mess cleaned up from Stafford camp

Meanwhile travellers have moved onto a park after a group vacated another site – leaving behind human faeces and piles of rubbish.

About a dozen caravans arrived on fields next to Holmcroft Library in Stafford on Saturday afternoon.

The council took legal action to get the group moved on and after issuing an eviction notice they eventually left the site on Tuesday evening.

Soon after, a group arrived at Westbridge Park in Stone where they remained yesterday.

It is not known whether it is the same group involved.

Councillor Jonathan Price, who represents the Holmcroft ward, took part in the clean-up.

He said: “The mess was horrendous but we’ve done a decent job.

"It was bad but the Streetscene lads have been brilliant and certainly earned their money.

"They did a professional job and it is now spotless.

“The group had been using outside areas as a public toilet.

"There was faeces, food; it was very bad.”