THE ONGOING problem of gypsies setting up camp illegally in the borough continued this week as they descended on Richmond Road Playing Fields in Olton.
The unwanted guests set up camp on Monday (July 4), with residents outraged by their presence.
There was been anger directed at council officials and the police who seemingly allowed a second batch of travellers to access the site after the initial group invaded the fields.
The decision has been supported by both Solihull Council and the police, however, who are in agreement it was better to keep the group in one location than split them into two illegal sites and then have them move to another nearby location to be together.
Local Lib Dem councillors Ade Adeyemo and Tony Ludlow visited the site on Monday – and were greeted by angry locals concerned about the arrival of the travellers, concerned about them being seemingly ‘allowed’ onto the site and concerned about the destruction that will be left behind when they move on.
Councillor Tony Ludlow (Lyndon) said: “We are pleased to see that the Council and Solihull Police are taking this very seriously.
“Sadly, this is not the first time that we have had travellers in Lyndon and local residents are looking for swift action.
“The Solihull Police Commander has assured us that any antisocial behaviour will be dealt with assertively, and legally.”
Councillor Ade Adeyemo added: “Residents can rest assured that Councillor Tony Ludlow Tony and I are doing our best to make sure that Council officers and the Police work together to move the travellers on as soon as possible and also to ensure that nuisance to local residents is kept to an absolute minimum.”
The travellers were moved on from the site yesterday (Wednesday, July 6) after police and council representatives served them notices.
