Walsall 'must follow other councils lead' to create legal traveller transit site
A legal travellers site is needed in Walsall to put a stop to problems caused by unauthorised encampments, council bosses have been told.
A committee formed to look at the issue in the borough has recommended the authority follow others in the Black Country in creating a transit site.
The sites allow travellers to pitch up legally and also give councils and police greater powers to tackle unauthorised camps
But they have caused huge controversy in Wolverhampton and Dudley.
Wolverhampton Council faced a severe backlash over its move to set up a transit site on Gorsebrook Road, Whitmore Reans, but pressed on in the face of widespread concerns.
There has also been complaints about Dudley Council's plans for Budden Road in Coseley.
However, members of Walsall's unauthorised encampments working group have concluded it is the best way forward if they are going to protect green spaces and other sites from traveller incursions.
They added communication and consultation with residents about sites would be crucial for the plan to win the support of the public.
Councillor Louise Harrison, chairman of the working group, said: "One area of concern for elected members and local residents was the impact of UEs (unauthorised encampments) on communities, not to mention the cost associated to the taxpayer.
"That is why a long-term transit site is needed for the borough to ensure that GRT communities have a site to use while protecting vital sites of community importance."
Traveller incursions have fallen since 2016 but councillors say there is still need for action. There were 100 incidents in 2016, compared with 59 in 2018.
The report acknowleged discussions around a transit site could stoke tensions locally, saying "in recognition of sensitivities regarding permanent and transit sites, it was recommended that early communication and engagement with both local communities, organisations of community importance and GRT communities on the development of any transit and permanent site location".
It added that ideally a single Black Country transit site would be created, but for that to happen there would need to be agreement on which of the four authorities would house it.
