Council urged to stop work on controversial transit site in Wolverhampton by MP amid Government proposals

Plans put forward by ministers would see measures introduced to criminalise trespassing when setting up an unauthorised encampment (UE).

It means Wolverhampton Council would not require the High Court injunction which protects spaces from being used by travellers illegally.

As a result the controversial transit site off Gorsebrook Road – required in order to keep the injunction in the city – wouldn't be needed.

Stuart Anderson said the authority should stop work immediately and not "waste" money on a site which may not legally be needed in a "few months".

But chiefs at Wolverhampton Council said they needed the transit site to deliver on what was legally agreed in court – or risk losing the injunction.

The Wolverhampton South West MP said: "I am pleased that the Government has recognised the concerns that constituents have raised about the disproportionate impact that unauthorised encampments have on communities that have to deal with a range of issues, including social behaviour, fly-tipping, and noise-related issues.

"I am now asking the Government to deliver on its pledge to bring forward legislative proposals and strengthen police powers. With the change in the law, the council would no longer need an injunction and the transit site will not be needed."

A consultation over the measures closed on March 5 last year with the Government yet to release their response to the findings. Proposals would see new legislation brought forward or the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 amended.

Under the measures, police will be able to direct trespassers to suitable authorised sites in neighbouring local authority areas – and increase the period of time in which trespassers directed from land would be unable to return.

The number of vehicles needed to be involved in a UE before police powers can be exercised would also be lowered. Police would also be allowed to remove trespassers from land that forms part of the highway.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment at Wolverhampton Council, said: "Our injunction was granted by a High Court judge on condition of providing a transit site.

“If we are to keep the injunction and protect all of the areas covered by it, we will need to deliver on what was agreed legally in a court.

"The Government has not yet published its response following the consultation on proposed measures. However, I would welcome the Government providing extra powers and funding to help deal with unauthorised encampments, while also supporting the traveller community."

Work on the transit site in Wolverhampton started last month – after it was approved earlier last year by councillors, despite around 120 objections from residents being submitted.

Campaigners argued it was the wrong area for the transit site and cited the loss of green space, the impact on the area and access to the site off a busy road among other issues.

Mr Anderson, who was among the first to raise concerns over the location of the site, has instead called for the money spent on the site on the creation of a nature trail for the community and local schools to use.