Controversial Wolverhampton transit site for travellers 'broken into'

The £455,000 site on Gorsebrook Road near Wolverhampton Racecourse lay unused for months on end having opened in September 2021 with the aim of stopping illegal encampments elsewhere in the city.

However, council chiefs say it has now been the subject of an incursion itself after dozens of travellers arrived there on Wednesday.

A total of 14 caravans and 13 other vehicles including cars and transit vans were at the site on Thursday morning.

They are understood to have bypassed lumps of concrete blocking the entrance by driving over a grass verge to gain access.

Wolverhampton Council said it had been "engaging" with the group and assessing their "wellbeing needs".

A spokesperson for the authority said: "We are aware that the Gorsebrook Road site has been broken into and is currently occupied by a large group of travellers.

"We are conscious that there are family units with children and we have been engaging with the group to work together with them.

"We have a statutory duty to urgently assess any health and safety issues and wellbeing needs before confirming their departure."

A resident, who asked not to be named, told the Express & Star the travellers arrived in "one large group", adding: "They've just ignored the concrete blocks and driven in over the grass. There's loads of them and there's no sign of them being moved on."

The site, which is off Stafford Road and is known as a negotiated stopping point, allows travellers to stay for up to 14 days at a cost of £100 per week and a £250 deposit.

It was the subject of mass opposition from residents before it opened, with concerns raised over the potential for increased crime.

Critics have since branded it a waste of money due to its lack of usage.