CCTV planned to deter travellers and vandals from Barr Beacon

Barr Beacon in Walsall has been targeted by vandals and metal thieves – with yobs even attacking a war memorial at the site.

The Barr Beacon Trust is now calling for extra security measures.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, chair of the Barr Beacon Trust Management Committee, said the group was hoping to get CCTV installed. He said: “We’re always reviewing security – we’ve had quite a bit of metal theft and vandalism at Barr Beacon.

“There have been a number of unauthorised encampments at the site too, which has been a problem.

“We are looking at our options and will come up with a proposal and solution in the near future. We would like to see CCTV introduced just to put people’s minds at ease and to protect the war memorial.

“With regards to unauthorised encampments, we managed to get an injunction in but CCTV might deter them a bit more.”

Travellers moved onto Barr Beacon four times in 2017 – resulting in ‘significant’ clean-up costs and need for repair works, according to Councillor Andrew.

Following a petition it became one of 11 sites in the borough to be be covered by a court injunction – giving Walsall Council greater powers to remove travellers.

The petition called for an injunction to completely ban travellers from Barr Beacon and Doe Bank Park.

A report to the council revealed that vehicles have also been attempting to ‘negotiate the flow plates’ at the Beacon Lodge exit during night-time closure.

Councillor Andrews said other security measures – including illuminated signs and rising barriers at the exit – are also being considered.

He added: “All sorts of people are trying to get up there at night, we’re trying to solve that but that’s going to be more long term.”