Swanshurst Park, situated on the border of Billesley and Moseley in Birmingham, has recently had robust security improvements installed in an effort to deter unauthorised travellers from setting up encampments. A trip rail has been put in place along Yardley Wood Road, one of the main access points to the park, to prevent caravans from driving onto the land.
This popular local green space has experienced numerous illegal encampments over the years, particularly during the warmer months, causing disruption and leaving the Friends of Swanshurst Park volunteer group to regularly clear up considerable litter and damage.
Previous attempts to restrict access, including the placement of logs and concrete blocks, had proved insufficient in preventing travellers from entering the park. The newly installed trip rail is hoped to be a more effective deterrent; the Friends of Swanshurst Park expressed optimism, stating, “The new trip rail along Yardley Wood Road hopefully will prove successful as a security measure against future unauthorised encampments.”
READ MORE: Police Appeal After Assault During Sedgley Supermarket Robbery
The issue of unauthorised encampments has been a significant concern for Birmingham City Council, especially following a dramatic increase in such incidents during 2025/26. These encampments have caused disruption to local residents and resulted in substantial clean-up costs for the council.
Birmingham City Council leader, Councillor Roger Harmer, acknowledged the ongoing challenges, highlighting the need for additional traveller sites as part of a long-term solution. He also confirmed that funding has been secured for works aimed at restricting access to 31 parks across the city, with phase one already underway and expected to continue through the winter months.
Councillor Harmer emphasised the importance of balancing immediate security measures within existing regulations while striving to develop sustainable strategies to address what he described as a “very serious problem” impacting the city’s parks and communities.