21-07-2025
Travellers arrive at Birmingham park in 'greater numbers than ever before'
Travellers have arrived at a popular Birmingham park in 'greater numbers than every before.'
A large group of caravans and other vehicles drove onto Swanshurst Park, on the border of Moseley and Billesley, on Sunday evening, July 20.
It was said to be the fifth incursion this year and the council's Interim Head of Parks told a Moseley ward meeting the authority was looking to install extra barriers.
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It was said that travellers gained access this time by moving a large log and driving in past bike racks.
The Friends of Swanshurst Park, a volunteer-run group, posted on Facebook on Sunday evening: "I'm sorry to say what some of you may already know - there are travellers on Swanshurst in greater numbers than ever before.
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"This was not because the council measures were inadequate. The new security measures are intact but they moved one of the large logs by the car park and drove in past the bike rack.
"The eviction notice will be served tomorrow. It would really help if members of the public did not employ them.
"Then they would not have an incentive to come here."
The council said previously: "birmingham-city-council>Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it.'The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community – which is in line with Government policy – and details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website."
