Rise in number of traveller camps across Dudley
Illegal traveller camps are on the rise in Dudley with the number increasing by more than 250 per cent in the past five years.
New figures show there was 123 camps between 2013 and 2017 - with around one happening on average every two weeks.
It comes as council bosses have drawn up plans to build a controversial temporary traveller's site in Coseley in a bid to tackle the issue.
In 2013 there was nine illegal camps. But this rose each year up until 2017 when the figure was 34 - a rise of 278 per cent.
Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said the total number would 'double' unless the local authority stepped in.
He said the figures, revealed following a Freedom Of Information request, justified building a temporary travellers site in the borough.
The move has been opposed by residents and ward councillors in Coseley over fears of an increase in crime and the proposed land being contaminated.
Councillor Harley said: "These figures really justify why there is a need for a temporary transit site.
"Everybody seems to accept we need one but the problem is no one wants one in their back yard.
"This is the best course of action and if we don't take that, the figure will double.
"Sandwell Council has one, South Staffordshire Council has one and Wolverhampton is being put under pressure. We are well down the road to having our own."
In 2014 there was 19 illegal camps, 28 in 2015 and 33 in 2016. These were located across the borough.
A transit site would give police and the council new eviction powers to deal with illegal camps.
Members would be forced to move to the transit site, where rent is charged and living facilities are provided, or told to leave the borough.
Those that refused could face arrest or have their vehicles seized.
Dudley Council's cabinet has approved plans to build a transit site on council-owned land on Budden Road.
The site came out top of a shortlist of 10 potential sites which went out to a public consultation.
Residents in Coseley have voiced their concerns and vowed to carry out their own contamination checks on the site, after concerns were raised of past industrial use there.
However Dudley Council says the land has been made safe.
A planning application has now been submitted for the site and it will need to be passed by the council's planning committee before the final go ahead is given.
