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Walsall councillors back blanket ban on travellers

A blanket ban on travellers setting up camp on green space in Walsall could be enforced - if dedicated land for them is found.

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Travellers set up residence in Walsall Arboretum, after gaining access area via The Crescent entrance

Council officers will be calling on court officials for help in launching a borough-wide injunction tackling illegal encampments.

It comes after councillors unanimously showed their support for a motion seeking legal guidance to combat travellers infiltrating public land.

Labour Councillor Sean Coughlan, who is leader of the opposition, tabled the motion during Monday's full council meeting.

He said: "The suggestion that we cannot have a blanket injunction does not fit in with authorities that are close to us.

"Wolverhampton successfully, and recently, had an injunction of its pubic green spaces and that has been granted by the High Court.

"We are asking for the opportunity to do the things other councils have done. It's all about trying to make sure we alleviate the issues for our residents.

"It's an attempt to do the right thing for everyone."

Protected

A total of 25 sites in Walsall are already protected against traveller camps but there have since been calls for measures to go further.

It comes after Wolverhampton Council won a three-year injunction last month, giving officers powers to evict travellers on 60 sites across the city.

The move will mean that less taxpayers’ money will be spent on expensive court proceedings and clean-up operations.

Travellers discovered on land illegally could also now be arrested and fined, have property seized, or be sent to prison.

Council leader, Councillor Mike Bird said: "We will be supporting the notice of motion just to find out how far we can progress. It is work in progress on how we can solve the problem in the borough."

Executive director for economy and environment Simon Neilson said the council would be in breach of the 2010 Equality Act if a borough-wide injunction was introduced without a transit site being established.

The council will now instruct officers to look into the possibility of applying to the High Court for an injunction, as well as where a legal travellers' camp could be launched.

In a report to the council, he added: "The authority is therefore working on proposals to develop such a site as a matter of priority. Not only will this will bring us into compliance with the Equality Act 2010, but it will open up the powers that enable us to work with the police to manage unauthorised encampments more quickly for the benefit of residents and business.

"It will also enable services to support a group of people who suffer from many social, educational and health inequalities."

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