Camp of travellers move into popular play park and let their HORSES run free

Dozens of gypsies have set up an illegal camp on an award-winning park just yards from a children's play area.

Around 20 caravans and vans descended on Selly Oak Park in Birmingham on Thursday morning.

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Several dogs were seen running around and ponies were even spotted at the park.

They have set up camp just metres away from swings and slides at the popular playground and the local scouts huts.

The travellers are believed to be the same group who previously settled at Tennal Lane Park in Quinton, Birmingham on July 6.

A convoy of around 20 vans and caravans left a week later, following an eviction notice before setting up camp in nearby Selly Oak.

Labour councillor Karen McCarthy, who represents the Selly Oak ward, said: "It's really disappointing that it has been targeted in this way.

"It's used by a lot of the residents, there's a children's play area, an outdoor gym, so everybody from families to students.

"The Scouts are based in the Scout hut, so there will be disruption.

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"It's not a park that can be easily secured because even though there's a gate, there isn't a fence along Gibbins Road.

";We are hoping the council and the police will be able to take action."

In 2013, the park was among a record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces in the country to be awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award.

The eco-award measures excellence in outdoor spaces.

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The accolade, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Mark Croxford, head of environmental health at Birmingham Council, said: "The council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where illegal encampments encroach upon it."

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