Protest trots along causing long Tipton tailbacks

More than 100 horse owners filled the streets of a Black Country town in protest over a council crackdown on the roaming animals.

They took to the streets of Tipton yesterday, causing major disruption and long tailbacks on the roads as many of them travelled by horse and cart.

The protesters are against a scheme by Sandwell Council that sees bailiffs remove stray horses from public land. At least eight animals have been taken in recent months, with many of them removed late at night.

Council bosses say they are simply trying to make the town safer but horse owners are defending the tradition.

Yesterday, more than 100 people and at least 20 horses met at The Shrubbery pub in Horseley Road before taking their horse and carts on a drive around the town.

The route took in Horseley Road, Horseley Heath to the Great Bridge island, New Road and then back along Horseley Road to the pub.

Lisa Walker helped organise the drive along with husband Deano, aged 36, with whom she runs a demolition company.