Plan for traveller sites delayed by vandalism

PLANS to introduce temporary sites for travellers as part of a pilot programme in Birmingham have been delayed, the city council has confirmed.

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

The authority has said it is committed to introducing a “negotiated stopping” programme, which would involve unused land being used by those in the travelling community for “short term stays”.

Work on this pilot started amid the council’s ongoing difficulties with its transit sites, which are authorised areas where travellers can be directed to when in the city.

They typically provide hard standing for holding caravans, a secure boundary and basic sanitary provision, while some also provide electricity.

But one of the council's two transit sites has suffered from repeated damage and vandalism while another has been home to “long-term occupants”.