Illegal Caravan Camp Blocks Birmingham Park

0:00On April 1st, a group of caravans rolled into Sheldon Country Park in Birmingham, setting up an illegal camp right next to a popular playground. It kicked off last Sunday with about five vehicles in the car park, and more pulled up since just before the Easter Bank holiday rush. These spots require a license for stays over two nights, plus planning permission for anything longer, but this crew didn't bother. The council served them noticed to leave on Wednesday, as unauthorized camps risk quick eviction. Experiments are fired up, calling it intimidating to walk kids past the caravans to reach the swings, especially with families planning Easter outings. After a rough winter, they say it blocks easy access and scares folks away from the green space. Locals blast the council for letting this happen at least four times in the last year, with no fixes like ballards at the entrance. The park, spanning 300 acres east of the city near the airport, draws crowds for its animals in free entry as a family haven. Other Paul Tillsley calls it a constant invasion with rubbish left behind, but the council

1:02insists they offer transit sites for the Gypsy, Roma, and traveler community per government rules, and they'll reclaim the land soon.