Calls for poilce chief to resign

Spring Vale councillor Malcolm Gwinnett has been fighting for action to remove a convoy of travellers from two sites in Lanesfield in recent weeks.

Both sites have allegedly suffered vandalism, with damage estimated to run into tens of thousands of pounds.

But Ch Supt Richard Green, pictured, from Bilston Street station, yesterday accused Mr Gwinnett of "seeking every opportunity to raise tensions".

Calls are now being made for the senior officer to resign.

Spring Vale councillor Richard Whitehouse said: "I have been a councillor for 24 years and in all my time I have never ever known a police officer to slate a local councillor.

"This man has been elected to serve the people by the people. He wasn't just appointed to the job.

"I think Richard Green has completely over-stepped the mark. We should not have to take attitude like that from a senior police officer.

"On behalf of the people of my ward and Wolverhampton I am calling for his resignation."

The travellers have spent three weeks in the area, first pulling onto the former GKN site, in Birmingham New Road, on February 22, later moving to the former Texaco filling station just yards away and yesterday travelling around a mile to the Mecca Bingo and B&Q car parks in Bilston.

But, despite councillors' claims that the Texaco site has been "absolutely devastated", police say they would not be investigating the alleged vandalism unless there was a complaint made from the landowner.

Councillor Gwinnett said: "I couldn't believe it when I read what he had said about me. I was shell-shocked that someone in his position would do that.

"I suggest he apologises very quickly."

Gladys Pearson, chairman of Lanesfield Tenants and Residents Association, said: "We are disgusted with what has been said.

"Councillor Gwinnett has been working hard for the people who have kept calling him every day to help them with this situation."

Ch supt Green today refused to comment other than to re-iterate his statement yesterday, when he said: "While we note Councillor Gwinnett's interest in this matter, the reality is that we have worked, and will continue to work, with the landowner on matters relating to their property which has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years. The local councillor entered into an agreement with local police in dealing with travellers incursions and it is unhelpful that on every occasion he is seeking every opportunity to raise tensions on this issue."

Police also re-iterated that if travellers were on private land, officers would assist landowners in serving a notice of Impending Civil Court proceedings.

They said if police received a complaint of any criminal matter, such as criminal damage, from the owners of land or property then it will be investigated in the usual manner. The offence of trespass is a civil matter unless a criminal offence is committed.