Councillors in Birmingham have voiced growing frustration over the rising number of unauthorised encampments in the city’s parks, urging the council to adopt a fresh approach. This escalation of concerns follows the council’s recent decision to halt a ‘negotiated stopping’ pilot programme aimed at managing short-term stays for travelling communities on unused city land.
The pilot was introduced to address the city’s shortage of permanent transit sites, such as Proctor Street, which has faced repeated vandalism and damage. However, the council announced that the scheme will not proceed as it could not identify enough suitable locations meeting the necessary criteria, including geographic spread and site accessibility.
At a licensing and public protection meeting, Conservative councillor Adam Higgs highlighted the issue’s urgency, referencing multiple traveller encampments in his ward’s Daisy Farm Park in less than a month. He emphasized that current strategies are ineffective and called for renewed action to protect parks and support local residents.
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Fellow Conservative Anja Pawson echoed these concerns, pressing the council on immediate and future measures to tackle the rising encampments. Meanwhile, Councillor Majid Mahmood, who recently left the Labour Party, shared similar frustrations over incidents in Stechford Hall Park, pointing to the significant damage and cleanup costs burdening taxpayers.
Councillor Mahmood emphasized the need for a clear and sustainable approach that ensures safe, appropriate sites for travelling communities while preserving green spaces for residents. He expressed hope that the new housing cabinet member would help craft a fair and practical long-term solution.
Committee chair Sam Forsyth noted that increased encampments are typical during summer and stressed the council’s efforts to serve eviction orders swiftly. Forsyth also cautioned against demonising any community in the process.
The council’s coalition administration, consisting of Lib Dems, Greens, and independents, explained that despite thorough site searches, no locations met the stringent requirements to advance the negotiated stopping programme. The council is reviewing its Local Development Plan, which includes policies aimed at supporting transit and permanent sites for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Showpeople. Additionally, the West Midlands Spatial Development Strategy, with an initial consultation expected in late 2026, will address regional needs for such sites.
To improve engagement and trust, Birmingham’s dedicated Gypsy and Traveller service team is working alongside partners like West Midlands Police and housing providers. The recently reopened Proctor Street transit site aims to offer a safe, managed space for travelling communities passing through the city.
Paul Langford, executive director of City Housing at Birmingham City Council, stressed the importance of collaboration and building confidence among residents. “We’re starting to see positive changes, with partners working more closely together and residents feeling more confident in sharing their experiences with us,” he said.