Posts and barriers installed to stop travellers returning to Wolverhampton playing fields
Steel posts and barriers have been put in place at a Wolverhampton playing field to stop travellers from returning.
The barriers have gone up at Windsor Avenue Playing Fields, which saw around 30 caravans pitch up last month.
Neighbours complained about nuisance and fires on the site while the travellers were there and the mess left behind once they were moved on.
Following complaints, Wolverhampton Council installed the new security measures at the weekend, to try to prevent anyone getting onto the site without authorisation.
As well as improvements to the existing gates and posts in place, all entrances to the playing fields now have new steel magpie posts, lockable bollards, and heavy-duty swing arm barriers.
A new steel height restriction barrier will also be installed at the beginning of April.
People living near the playing fields hit out at the council for not evicting the new arrivals quickly enough. They were forced out more than a week later leaving behind a pile of rubbish including bricks, plastic and parts of a sofa.
Cabinet member for city environment Councillor Steve Evans said: “We understand residents’ frustration when it comes to traveller incursions. However, evicting them is not a simple task and neither is preventing the incursions.
“Our environmental services team acted quickly and responsibly in installing new security measures to protect the popular playing fields at Windsor Avenue. We hope these improvements will prevent unauthorised traveller encampments reoccurring. We are also considering new remedies to tackle the issue and to protect potential vulnerable sites.”
