As you know I visited the Travellers site this morning and spoke to the travellers there. I met with Environmental Health officials on the site, spoke to West Midlands Police who were also on the site then I left.
Since then I have spoken with Inspector Perry of West Midlands Police by telephone, and Martin Gillett again by telephone who is from the City Council Environmental Health team.
I also now have had a response from the Sgt of our Neighbourhood Police team, who writes to me in the following words, “Whilst I appreciate your inference that the community is very concerned regarding the presence of the travellers, as of yet we have not received any notable incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal offences. Therefore, in accordance with the 2007 WMP V WCC Protocol, the local authority have primacy over requesting the removal of the travellers.”
He adds ” The local command team is also aware of the scenario which is under constant review. A further visit took place this afternoon whereby the travellers were informed regarding acceptable behaviour. Please inform members of the public to report any incidents of unacceptable behaviour. The team are briefed to pay passing attention to the area.”
What this means is that the Police have decided not to instigate the legislation they have to move the camp on. Preferring to let the Authority take the legal action against the incursion.
Wolverhampton City Council have informed me late this afternoon, that “they will be instigating repossession procedures to require vacation of the land as soon as practicable.”
West Midlands Police – “Please inform members of the public to report any incidents of unacceptable behaviour. The team are briefed to pay passing attention to the area.”
I will keep residents updated with information as I receive it. In the meantime the police suggest that I “inform members of the public to report any incidents of unacceptable behaviour. The team are briefed to pay passing attention to the area.”
So as your Local Councillor I can inform you that if you do have an issue you must ring 101, and ensure the issue is logged on to the police system. I will continue to update you publicly with these briefing notes.
