Travellers set up camp on West Bromwich parkland
Travellers have moved onto parkland in West Bromwich and are causing concerns - days after caravans were moved off a park just 10 minutes drive away.
Around 25 caravans pulled onto the Jesson playing fields late last week and piles of rubbish are strewn across the grass.
Sandwell Councillor Paul Moore described the situation as 'completely unacceptable' and said efforts are being made to force the travellers off the site.
According to a resident, a larger group of travellers moved off the playing fields on Monday but were almost immediately replaced by a handful of new recruits.
Some caravans have also been spotted near St Michael's High School, in Rowley Regis, by people contacting the Express & Star.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "There is glass all by the school entrance and they are filling the grit bins with their rubbish.
"Even hanging their washing by the traffic lights. Police have been by but again they are still there."
Student nurse Hayley Monk, aged 28, lives on Garratt Street next to the encampment on the Jesson playing fields.
She said noise emanating from the travellers had kept her up until the early hours of the morning.
Miss Monk said: "We've had the windows open because of the weather and they kept making noise until 3.30am.
"They've also left rubbish and it's unnerving for a lot of people around here who are in their 70s, 80s and 90s.
"If I had kids I wouldn't let them go over to the play area because you don't know who's about."
Councillor Moore, cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment, said: "The situation is completely unacceptable.
"Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police are working to move the travellers on as quickly as possible.
"We will be looking to better secure the Jesson's Road site in the future."
Worries about the West Bromwich site came as travellers left rubbish and a burned-out caravan on a park in Halesowen last week.
The group had been on Hurst Green Park for two weeks before being moved off by bailiffs.
Dudley Council has now spent £2,800 on temporary bollards to stop any more caravans coming onto the land off Moat Drive.
The council is now looking at a more permanent solution for the site.
Rubbish, a burned-out caravan and other litter remains on site while council bosses seek contractors to remove it.
Councillor Hilary Bills said: "I would also ask members of the public to keep away from the waste on the site, and allow us to remove it."
