Wolverhampton travellers injunction moves closer

Wolverhampton Council is seeking an injunction to help protect key sites from encampments.

The city has been hit by several traveller incursions over recent weeks, prompting calls for action from senior politicians.

Bosses were successful in moving their case to the next stage at the High Court and a full application will now be heard in October.

The city council wants to follow neighbouring Black Country authorities in bringing new powers to force caravans off land faster and avoid expensive court proceedings.

Leaders have grown frustrated at being made to wait more than a week in some cases for travellers to leave, despite notices being served within hours of their arrival.

Bosses will attend a court hearing against at Birmingham Crown Court on October 2 where the injunction application will be considered.

Councillor Steve Evans, environment boss at Wolverhampton Council said: “I'm pleased to hear the High Court has granted permission to make our case for us to try and protect our most vulnerable spaces against traveller encampments.

“While legal proceedings are under way, we will be making it our priority to keep our residents updated throughout the process.

"We hope to gain an injunction across 60 sites across the city to protect our land and reduce the disruption unauthorised encampments cause.”

The latest group of travellers moved onto fields near Grapes Pool in Bilston over the weekend, just weeks after a battle to move caravans of the same spot.

Another group also arrived back at Windsor Avenue playing fields in Penn last week, another popular spot for travellers.

City MP Pat McFadden has urged tougher action on travellers and says residents are 'angry and frustrated' over the issue.