New security measures to stop illegal traveller camps in Walsall and Wolverhampton
Beefed up security measures to stop travellers setting up illegal camps on a park that crosses the Walsall and Wolverhampton border could be introduced.
Extra soil bunds, a bank created from earth, could be placed around the border of the park off Coppice Farm Way in New Invention in Willenhall.
The move is to prevent caravans and vehicles being able to drive easily on to the site.
Calls for more security were made last month when around 15 vans drove on to the field from the Walsall side before eventually settling on the Wolverhampton side of the park.
It was one of a number of incursions that occurred across Walsall within weeks and has resulted in council bosses looking at ways of making all sites secure.
Councillor Oliver Butler, portfolio holder for clean and green, said installing extra bunding on Walsall’s side would need to be complemented by their counterparts blocking off access to the field from Wolverhampton.
A Wolverhampton Council spokesman said they were assessing the measures and the possibility of extending them in line with Walsall.
Councillor Butler said: "The extension of the existing soil bunds needs to be considered in conjunction with Wolverhampton Council who control a number of access routes on to the open space.
"Walsall Council unfortunately only has it within its remit to construct defensive measures on the land owned by Walsall Council.
"I will of course continue to press Wolverhampton Council to support us by securing their access routes.
Measures
"I know Jane Stevenson MP is also very keen to see the area of land which falls within her constituency protected from these unwanted incursions."
"We are currently considering what is the best course of action and the specific measures to implement in order to protect our area and borough from the menace of these unwanted, unwelcome and undesirable incursions.
"These measures need to considered as part of a complete package that includes physical defences, site specific injunctions and a borough-wide injunction.
"There should also be the provision of a transit site so that travellers can be directed by law to use this site."
Willenhall North ward councillor Adam Hicken said: "We are looking to extend the existing bunding and the new defences will cover the remainder of Coppice Farm Way and Sandalwood Close.
"I hope that City of Wolverhampton Council follow a similar approach to Walsall and begin strengthening the defences on their land.
"We are also keen to work with them where we share joint access to the park.
"It is important that we maintain the beauty of the area and the additional bunding will allow us to do this.”
A Wolverhampton Council spokesman said: "Council officers are currently reviewing security around the Wolverhampton side of Coppice Farm to supplement the measures proposed by Walsall."
