Pokémon 'No' for gamers at historic Black Country hotspot after complaints
Council chiefs hope to pull the plug on Pokémon Go players using a hotspot site in the Black Country following complaints from residents.
Priory Ruins in Dudley has been besieged by people of all ages playing the game which has swept to prominence across the globe.
The site is a designated Pokémon stop – an area where players congregate to collect items needed to progress in the game.
But council bosses said they have come under 'intense pressure' from residents who have complained about noise and damage to the site caused by Pokémon Go players.
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Cabinet member Hilary Bills confirmed the authority has now 'reluctantly' approached Pokémon Go's developers Niantic Labs asking for the site to be removed from the game.
As previously reported in the Express & Star, residents have accused players of a catalogue of indiscretions.
These include parking on double yellow lines, music being played late at night and damage being caused to the ruins.
Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "Over the past week we have been actively promoting the Pokémon Go game at all levels of the council after recognising the enormous potential to see more people visiting our towns, parks and other tourist attractions.
However, under intense pressure from residents and Priory Park user-groups we have reluctantly asked Niantic Labs to consider removing the Pokemon stopsfrom the Priory Park ruins to protect them amid growing concerns.
"Complaints included incidents of damage to this Grade II listed ancient monument as well as parking issues and general noise and disturbance for nearby residents throughout the night, which we had to take into consideration.
"There are lots more opportunities for Pokémon hunting elsewhere in the borough at our libraries, other parks and countryside open spaces and town centres and we very much welcome people to explore these areas."
One of the roads affected is Paganel Drive. Police have carried out patrols around the site in response to the parking issues.
Ward councillor Ken Finch labelled some of the players' behaviour as 'disgusting'.
He said: "It is nothing but disgusting what is happening. At the moment the players are disturbing quite a number of residents. We are very concerned."
