Council digs trenches around park to stop travellers setting up illegal camp – days after group broke onto nearby recreation ground for second time in a month
Birmingham City Council has dug trenches and built an embankment at Chinn Brook Recreation Ground in Yardley Wood to make it harder for caravans to enter after repeated unauthorised encampments. The move matters because the council says evictions and clean-ups have cost thousands of pounds, while some residents say they feel unable to use the park safely during encampments.
Around six caravans, a horsebox and horses entered the recreation ground on 18 August and were later served with an eviction notice; another group was reported at nearby Swanshurst Park on Monday. Councillors said the trenches are a temporary measure before the Bank Holiday, with concrete blocks or bollards planned and wider protective works under discussion for 32 city parks and green spaces.
- Birmingham digs trenches to deter caravan access to a recreation ground.
- Repeated encampments have led to eviction and clean-up costs.
- Permanent barriers are being considered for parks across the city.