Clean-up operation begins after travellers are evicted from Cov City Council land

COVENTRY City Council has begun a clear-up operation after travellers were evicted from fields in the middle of a residential area.

The group had been camped on the Brookstray, which lies in Nod Rise, Woodlands ward, for around a week. The eviction, which was overseen by the bailiffs with police keeping a low profile in marked vehicles nearby, passed peacefully.

The encampment arrived on July 31 and had been described as part of a “cat and mouse” game between the local authority and travellers in the area.

The council had drawn sharp criticism from residents who said more needs to be done to stop mess and disruption caused by repeated incrusions.

One neighbour forwarded a picture of trash dumped in a brook beside the field that he blamed on the group, who left after the council secured an eviction order at court.

It is the second time the Brookstray has been occupied by travellers in the space of four weeks.

A council spokesman promised action to secure the ribbon of greenery.

He said: “We completely understand the concerns and distress caused to residents but we must stress that council officers, the police and partners are following every legal process to act decisively in moving encampments on and to protect areas that may be more prone to access.

“We are always monitoring where potential encampments may set up and we have already planned out work to protect the location vacated today with bollards and bunding. This work will begin from tomorrow.

“Our grounds maintenance team will be clearing litter and waste from the site today.”

The camp, comprising around 30 vehicles, is one of a series in the area over the past two months that have led to repeated stand-offs between at least two groups and the council.

Cllr Peter Male (Woodlands) has dubbed it a “cat and mouse game” played out at taxpayers’ expense.

The council has previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it has plans to redevelop the current Siskin Drive transit site into a traveller facility to help deter unauthorised encampments.

A spokesman said: “This would see the provision of modern, fit for purpose, permanent traveller pitches.

“Current plans are subject to cabinet member approval, planning and securing grant funding.”