Travellers move on to Walsall playing fields

Walsall Council received reports that 18 caravans had moved onto Broadway West Playing Fields on Saturday.

Officers from the authority were sent to the scene yesterday to carry out welfare checks.

There has been a surge in camps across the borough in recent months.

Last week, Walsall Council obtained a court order to move on a group of travellers following complaints they were causing nuisance and leaving dogs on the loose.

Around 20 people had expressed concerns to the authority after 12 caravans arrived at a plot next to King Georges Crescent in Rushall.

Last month, a group settled at Hawthorn Road, in Shelfield, and the council had to secure an eviction notice from magistrates.

It is not yet known if the same group of travellers are now occupying the camp at Broadway West Playing Fields.

Walsall Council said it would carry out assessments ahead of making a decision if court action was needed.