News that “travellers” are occupying the sports pitches at Conygre in Tipton is their latest incursion in Sandwell. Recently, “travellers” have been a recurrent nuisance in the borough; occupying land, disrupting its normal use and leaving behind damage and piles of filth on departure.
Freedom to choose a lifestyle should not also include a licence to break the law, which happens when land is occupied without permission. Nor should it sanction disruption to the lives of ordinary residents, whose use of amenities is often restricted or prevented by “traveller” land occupations, as at Conygre.
Permanent residents have their use of parks and playing fields curtailed by “traveller” visits. Then, they are also charged for the dubious privilege of having uninvited “traveller” guests when they have to pay, through local taxes, for consequent clean ups and repairs. The interests of local residents need consideration as well as those of the “travelling” community.
The local authority needs to act speedily to get trespassing” travellers” off its land.
The police need to take a close interest in “travellers” and their vehicles to ensure no criminal offences are committed. The police power, in certain circumstances, to seize caravans, should be used when appropriate.
Nor should local communities stand idly by as victims. Recently, a peaceful, wholly lawful and properly organised protest by local residents against a “traveller” occupation of their amenity green space secured the departure of the unwanted visitors in a matter of hours.
This three pronged approach might very well persuade “travellers” to drive on by and out of Sandwell.