Traffic fears over circus near Wolverhampton homes

Circus caravans have moved on to a field off Wolverhampton's Wergs Road, angering nearby residents.

Ten caravans and lorries began pulling on to the 40-acre site yesterday.

Today they were installing a big top ready to stage five days of shows.

The land's agent today said Peter Jolly's Circus had permission to operate on the private land.

But families living nearby said they had been given no prior warning of the arrival, and feared it would lead to noise and traffic problems.

One resident said: "Everyone in this area is in uproar about this. There are probably ten caravans and lorries. We do not want this here."

Tettenhall councillor Jonathan Yardley said he feared the circus would create traffic problems.

The land has been earmarked for a car boot sale. But the plans have been scuppered by an ancient by-law granted in 1258 because the sale could rival council-run markets.

It is the second time in weeks Peter Jolly's Circus, which boasts animals including camels and zebras, has caused anger in the West Midlands.

Families in Brownhills protested against the troupe in Clayhanger this month.

Stephen Berg, agent for the land, said: "They are not doing anything wrong."

Peter Jolly, who runs the circus, said: "We have a licence from South Staffordshire Council to be here."