Traveller caravans invade pitches at Bluebell Park, Chelmsley Wood

POLICE and council officials were called out to Chelmsley Wood this morning (Friday) after a group of caravans pitched up on parkland.
The travellers have set up camp on football pitches in Bluebell Park and it’s understood that a number of junior matches that were due to take place tomorrow are likely to be cancelled
Several residents posted on Facebook, voicing their anger about the arrival of the eight caravans, which rolled onto the site at just before 12noon.
Claire Pickles Tyers wrote: “They need to leave now. That park is well used by local kids and dog walkers. Those travellers have no right to be there.”
Gill Linforth added: “I have called the council. Whilst I do not live in CW, I totally support my fellow council taxpayers and we will all be picking up the bill for the damage we know the travellers will cause.”
Solihull Council said it was aware of the situation and was working with West Midlands Police to resolve the matter peacefully.
If travellers do not leave promptly, local authorities usually issue a notice ordering them to leave the land they have occupied.
In a separate incident last month, the council was left with a bill running into thousands of pounds after caravans left a trail of destruction in Chadwick End Park and Tudor Grange Park.
Councillor Bob Sleigh, the leader of Solihull Council, said: “I would like to reassure residents and businesses in Solihull that the council will continue to work with the police and other partners to stop these illegal occupations of sites and if they do occur, to use whatever legal avenues are available to resolve them as speedily and decisively as possible.”