50 travellers' caravans moved on twice in one day from Oldbury car parks

Staff and shoppers were forced to find alternative parking spots after the caravans pitched up near Sandwell Council in Oldbury over the weekend, while every Sandwell leisure centre car park has since been closed to prevent further illegal camps.

Bailiffs moved the travellers on from the council's West Bromwich Street car park in Oldbury town centre today, however they soon parked up less than a mile away at Portway Leisure Centre on Newbury Lane - where they were given their marching orders for a second time.

The caravans were dealt with swiftly thanks to powers introduced to Sandwell this year, enabling bailiffs to move camps from council-owned land within 24 hours and without a court order.

But although it is now clear of caravans, the West Bromwich Street car park is staying closed until 6am on Tuesday while the rubbish left behind is cleaned.

Any vehicles must be moved from the car park by 7pm today.

Also covered in tyres, furniture and litter was Black Patch Park, where police said a 'big clean up operation' would follow.

Council Leader Steve Eling, said: "It's good to see our new joint protocol, which gives the council power to use bailiffs to remove travellers much more swiftly, working so well.

"We now have the job of clearing up the mess and rubbish left behind at the West Bromwich Street car park which will be open again tomorrow. Council staff will secure the site against this happening again."

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, councillor Richard Marshall, added: "We know how frustrating these encampments are for residents and businesses, and I want to reassure people that the council is taking this seriously and taking action quickly."

While councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for regeneration and investment, said: "We have secured dozens of parks and open spaces to stop caravans being put on there.

"We're now working on identifying a transit site that travellers can be ordered to immediately move to when they set up camp on public land.

"I'd like to thank the council staff who spent time over the weekend setting up the eviction and starting early today to secure the car park and guide people to park elsewhere.

"Also thanks to Sainsbury's who agreed to allow staff to park there today."