Walsall dog show forced to move due to travellers at Arboretum
A popular dog show has had to be moved out of Walsall due to the large batch of travellers which have pitched up at the Arboretum.
Greyhound Gap was gearing for its biggest event of the year this Sunday with up to 200 dogs set to descend on the beauty spot in an event which typically raises more than £3,000 for the dog rehoming charity.
But the arrival of more than 50 caravans on Tuesday has scuppered all of that casting into doubt whether the show would go ahead at all.
However now organisers are hoping to hold the event at Cannock Chase instead.
Lisa Cartwright, manager at the charity, said: "We have been at the Arboretum for twelve years and we hold an event there twice a year.
"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It usually raises between £3,000 and £4,000.
"When the travellers came it was looking like we would have to cancel unless we could find an alternative venue but now it looks as if Cannock Chase has stepped in so we would really like to thank them.
"We would like to thank Walsall Council as well. They have done everything they can to help us but it is something out of their control."
At this stage the weekly 5km park run which takes place at 9am every Saturday is still set to go ahead.
Visitors to the Arboretum have been left in shock this week at the sight of dozens of caravans sprawled out at the Broadway N main entrance causing many to avoid that part of the park.
David Ball, from Rushall, said: "It is a complete disgrace.
"It is just not acceptable on any level. People can not just ride roughshod over the law, there must be some by law to prevent this from happening."
While one dog walker, who did not want to be named, said: "It certainly puts you off going over that side. It is just a bit intimidating really.
"I am not against the travelling community, in fact I like the idea of it but not when it causes this much aggravation.
"This is a gorgeous area and they are putting people off coming here. The dog show moving will have a financial impact of the community. It will have a knock-on effect."
A Walsall Council spokeswoman said: “Our Community Protection Officers have served the summons on the occupiers of the unauthorised encampment to attend court tomorrow morning (Friday) when we will be applying for an order to enable us to secure possession of the land.
“A decision has been made to relocate the Greyhound Gap dog show taking place on Sunday. Organisers are currently looking at alternative sites. Walsall Parkrun organisers still plan to go ahead with their event on Saturday.”
