Birmingham City Council has taken the step of digging trenches around Chinn Brook Recreation Ground in an effort to prevent further illegal encampments by travelers. This action comes just days after unauthorized groups were observed at the park, and following multiple instances of caravans occupying the green space in recent years.
Repeated Encampments and Resident Concerns
Convoys of caravans have repeatedly driven onto Chinn Brook Recreation Ground in Yardley Wood without permission, according to local residents. Similar encampments have also been reported at nearby Daisy Farm, as well as at Northfield and Swanshurst Park, located approximately five miles away. Residents have expressed that the presence of these groups has made them feel intimidated and unsafe using the park.
Local volunteer clean-up groups have also been strained by the effort required to remove rubbish left behind by encampments. The council has previously spent significant funds on securing evictions and conducting clean-ups of affected areas, only for groups to relocate to other public spaces.
Temporary and Permanent Defenses
The newly dug trench and embankment are intended as a short-term measure to restrict access to the park, particularly in the lead-up to a bank holiday weekend. The trenches are designed to impede the access of large vehicles and caravans while still allowing access for council maintenance equipment like lawnmowers.
Local councilors have welcomed the temporary measures but are advocating for more permanent defenses. Concrete blocks or bollards are reportedly on order to further restrict access through the park's gate. Discussions are underway for final designs for enhanced defenses as part of broader improvements planned for 32 of the city's parks and green spaces.
Recent Incidents
On August 18, approximately six caravans, accompanied by a horsebox and horses, drove onto Chinn Brook Recreation Ground and were subsequently served with an eviction notice. On Monday, travelers were reportedly seen returning to Swanshurst Park. A local resident and volunteer litter picker expressed hope that the new measures would prevent travelers from accessing Chinn Brook Recreation Ground, citing the mess and disregard for wildlife and the community left behind by previous encampments.