Travellers pitch up on Bilston road for sixth time this year

A convoy of around 10 caravans set-up site in Murdoch Road near to the overpass of the A463 Black Country Route on Monday.

Businesses in the area say travellers have regularly used the road for the past 40 years, with groups usually staying for up to seven days before moving on.

On Monday workers at DS Willetts arrived to find a barrier near to their car park had been removed and caravans parked across the entrance to the firm.

The firm's boss Ian Willetts said the company had been forced to turn away a lorry delivering a vital piece of kit as a result of the 'unwanted intrusion'.

"The driver couldn't get into the factory because a caravan had been parked in front of the gate," he said.

"It can cost us up to £200 to arrange for another delivery, plus you have to consider the knock on effects of us not being able to complete an order on time.

"We have had this problem for years and it's costing us a lot of money."

Mr Willetts said as well as the detrimental affect on trade the travellers were also causing problems with youngsters hanging off the back of lorries running out in front of cars when staff are trying to get into work.

"It can be quite intimidating for people coming in and out of the site," he added.

Phil Parker, works director of Parker Precision Ltd on nearby Vulcan Road, said the firm was considering replacing its perimiter fence due to traveller children scaling it or crawling through onto works property.

He added: "Travellers have been using this site for around 40 years but nothing seems to be done about preventing them from coming here.

"They damage our fence and I worry that children climbing it could fall and injure themselves. But the parents just stand and watch them do it.

"Maybe because they are out of the way its easier to have them here rather than on a main road or housing estate."

Wolverhampton City Council visited the site on Tuesday and advised the gipsies to leave, saying it will start legal proceedings if they fail to do so.

Councillor for Bilston East Stephen Simkins said he and residents were seeking advice from the police.

Councillor Simkins said: "We are working with West Midlands Police to find out what the intentions of the travellers are. We don't want any problems or issues with the community. We want to sort it out so the businesses in the area won't be affected."

Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi added: "The council's public protection unit were notified of a traveller incursion at Murdoch Road, Bilston, on Monday.

"Officers visited the site, along with West Midlands Police, to meet with representatives from the group.

"They have advised us that they intended to leave the site last night. Meanwhile, officers have instructed them to move any vans that are causing an obstruction.

"Environmental health officers and police will revisit the site and, if they haven't left the area as advised, we will start legal proceedings."

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Gina Lycett said that it was aware of the vehicles but no offences had been reported to the police.

It wouldn't be the first time travellers have moved onto land in the city this year.

Last month Elston Hall Primary School in Fordhouses was forced to cancel its sports day after 40 caravans pulled onto Bee Lane playing fields and set-up site.

They were ordered off the land by the city council and the convoy is believed to have moved into Staffordshire to Cannock Stadium off Pye Green Road in Hednesford.