Local MP supports tougher laws to tackle traveller camps

ENCAMPMENT: Caravans parked up in Castle Bromwich a few weeks ago

MERIDEN'S MP has waded into the debate on traveller camps, calling for a change in the law.
Dame Caroline Spelman is among 31 Conservative backbenchers who have backed a proposal for deliberate trespass to be made a criminal offence in England and Wales.
The group argue that the existing legislation gives limited powers to police and local authorities and often involve lengthy legal proceedings.
They made their case in a letter which has been sent to Communities Secretary James Brokenshire.
"Here in Solihull borough, it is clear that residents want to see a change in the law," said Mrs Spelman.
Anger over traveller encampments has been fuelled by a series of recent incidents in North Solihull, with groups moving onto sites including Babbs Mill and land opposite Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.
The incident at Babbs Mill last month was particularly frustrating for locals, who have complained about a number of previous incursions.
Solihull Council had already reviewed security at the site, but efforts to make access more difficult did not stop caravans returning to the parkland.
Following the most recent incident, the local authority confirmed it would once again review the measures it had put in place.
The ongoing problems were debated on the Action for Babbs Mill Facebook page a few weeks ago.
Chris Wightman wrote: "If the council think throwing a few logs and small mounds of earth will stop these lot they must be mad."
Sherry McConville argued that lobbying for a change in the law was the best approach.
"These travellers come tooled up with diggers and bolt cutters and will get on anywhere they want to regardless of what prevention is put in place. Sad but true."