Over recent years we have had encampments and the mess and aggro that came with them was a pain, the current encampments and people within them are very much more of a problem. We have had threats, stones thrown, threatening behaviour, riding of motos up and down streets in a reckless manner, cross country style driving over the fields, human excrement in wooded areas, music and noise at all times of the day. Dogs running loose and barking. There is now a burnt out vehicle on the Delves Green Common.  

Residents are getting very frustrated with the apparent lack of action, they are becoming very stressed and the communication to members of the community is poor. Children are frightened and being kept in, areas that would be normally used for play and recreation are not available to them. We have shops and businesses fed up of theft, threatening behaviour and have closed early or in the case of one shop looking to close all together until such time as the travellers have gone.

This is not acceptable for a community to  not be able to feel safe and not to be able to use open spaces and indeed find that shops may not be open.

As there are clearly problems on the encampment regarding Anti Social Behaviour and Public Disorder we ask that the Police immediately use their wider powers granted under Section 61 and 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to remove all encampments currently on The Delves Green Common, the open space opposite Yew Tree School and the area of Walstead Rd commonly referred to as The Players.

In addition to the removal of the Illegal Encampments we ask that the following be acted upon:

1. A "Deep Cleanse" of all areas, especially the wooded areas where travellers have used them as "toilets" and all excrement be removed.

2. To look at changing the kerbing on the areas affected to "High Containment" kerbs and a gate to deter further vehicle access. This will also allow for some meadowland management which would be an additional positive outcome for the community.

3. A Public meeting to be held with The Police, Sandwell & Walsall Council to discuss matters arising from the last few weeks.

4. A Review of the Joint Protocols between West Midlands Police and the relevant Council to ensure that the safety and safeguarding of the community is paramount at all times.

5. A full discussion at the Public meeting as to why Sections 61 and 62 were not enforced earlier.

We look forward to hearing further on this matter and that the statutory duty of care for us all who live in the areas affected is fully maintained.