Concerns raised as travellers set up camp in Stourbridge

They were on a field off Stamford Road off Birmingham Street near the former entrance to the tip on Sunday July 5 and into Monday July 6.

After the issue was reported to Dudley Council and police the group left voluntarily. A padlock that had been broken off a gate was repaired by the council.

Councillor Lisa Clinton said on Sunday July 5: "I was contacted not long ago by a few concerned residents about the padlock being cut off the chain on the gate opposite the old exit to the tip and multiple nomads hitching up their caravans.

"I’ve been down to the site to confirm this and yes it’s true.

"I’ve contacted the relevant authorities and whilst it’s not immediate they will be issued the relevant paperwork to move tomorrow morning. If they wish to stay in the Borough then they can move to our facility in Coseley and pay for the privilege."

She later said councillors had been sent a message from the council saying: "Travellers are on Dudley Council land just at the rear of the Stourbridge tip.

"We’ve attended site and will return to serve notices to leave.

"We’re in contact with the Police regarding this matter and will provide an update as more information becomes available."

They were then told: "The team attended this morning and spoke with the group who were very amenable.

"We agreed that they would leave this afternoon and bag up the rubbish that they created which they have done.

"There was some other rubbish present which they stated they didn’t create but I will arrange for all of it to be collected.

"One of the team will return this evening with a new lock for the gate. Any questions or queries, please feel free to ask."

Councillor Ian Bevan, Dudley Council's cabinet member for housing, said: “We were made aware of travellers off Birmingham Street.

"Our officers visited the location and spoke with the group to remind them of the council’s position. They then left the site without any papers being served.”