Progress on temporary traveller camps 'glacial'

CRITICISM OVER PACE OF PLANS FOR 'SHORT-TERM STAYS' PILOT

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

THE 'glacial progress' of council plans to introduce temporary sites for traveller in Birmingham has come under fire.

A proposed pilot scheme aims to relieve “pressure” caused by unauthorised encampments in parks and open land across the city.

Caravans have parked up at sites in Longbridge, Bartley Green, Yardley, Billesley and Kings Heath in recent weeks.

The city's two permanent transit sites, where travellers can be directed to, are both unavailable one because of repeated damage and vandalism and the other because it is home to “long-term occupants”.

Birmingham City Council is planning to introduce a 'negotiated stopping' pilot which would see unused pieces of land in the city used by travellers for “short term stays”.

But the authority has pushed the start date back from June to October.

A consultation with communities and businesses near the proposed stopping sites is due to take place in August and September, according to a council report.