\n\t\t\tRESIDENTS in Cofton Hackett have voiced concerns to their political representatives after an illegal traveler encampment has appeared in their local park.
\nFollowing engagement with residents, Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas, has reached out to city council chiefs to demand \u2018immediate action\u2019 to protect Cofton Park from illegal encampments.<\/p>\n
These illegal incursions can be very distressing for local residents due to patterns of disruption and anti-social behaviour, and waste often left behind.<\/p>\n
Illegal traveller encampments on Cofton Park are becoming more frequent and the Bromsgrove MP believes Birmingham City Council is \u2018failing\u2019 to take steps to prevent further incursions.<\/p>\n
Birmingham City Council sought an injunction to have the encampment removed on Thursday last week (August 14).<\/p>\n
In a letter to the chief executive of Birmingham City Council, Mr Thomas has set out three demands to protect the park in the future. He\u2019s asked that the council take swift action to remove them within 24 hours, seek a \u2018newcomer\u2019 injunction to proactively prevent unauthorised encampments on Cofton Park and secure the park entry and exit points to prevent further break-ins.<\/p>\n
\nMr Thomas said: \u201cCofton Park is much-loved, but more and more frequently travellers are setting up illegal encampments there. This is having a huge impact on the quality of life of residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cBirmingham City Council is aware of the problem, yet they are failing to put in place measures to stop these illegal incursions from happening.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe letter I\u2019ve sent very clearly sets out what the city council needs to do to secure Cofton Park. I expect immediate action to be taken.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Bromsgrove district councillor for Cofton, Anita Dale, has experienced a steady stream of reports and complaints about travellers in the park since becoming a representative of the ward in May 2023.<\/p>\n
Despite repeated efforts to contact Birmingham councillor Majid Mahmood, who is responsible for the environment, in recent years, she has not received any communication back.<\/p>\n
\nCoun Dale said: \u201cFortunately, however, I have had a good working relationship with Councillors Debbie Clancy and Ron Storer who have also been instrumental in fully supporting this project.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Regardless, efforts have pushed the city council to put aside funding for the installation of bollards and the replacement of a dilapidated gate at Cofton Park.<\/p>\n
\nCoun Dale added: \u201cThis should create a secure and safer Cofton Park for all the local residents to enjoy moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said the authority is \u2018committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it.\u2019<\/p>\n
The council also said they have useable transit sites for travellers \u2013 in line with Government policy.\u00a0There are two designated sites for travellers in Birmingham \u2013 in Nechells and Castle Vale.\u00a0 The council\u2019s internal report concluded these sites are \u2018inadequate\u2019 to cope with the larger encampments experienced in the city.<\/p>\n
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