Forums Forums Local News Travellers move on to derelict land in Wirral

A FAMILY of travellers face being removed from an area of derelict land after Wirral Council started proceedings to evict them.
There are currently four caravans on the land behind Birkenhead North train station and spokesman for the group, Tommy Johnson, said they had nowhere else to go.
He said prior to arriving in Birkenhead they had been on land at sites in Liverpool, Crosby and Skelmersdale.
Mr Johnson said they had been largely welcomed by local people 'who pop down for a cup of tea and biscuit and chat' and added that one of their family was an elderly woman with a heart condition.
He said they were aware the local authority was seeking to move them on but insisted: 'We have no where to go. If the council can find us somewhere we will gladly go there.'
Charlie Wright, who is their nearest neighbour, said he was glad to see the travellers and added: 'I've told them fill the fields with caravans. They are brilliant people, no trouble.
'The local kids have been playing with their kids and I told them to bring other travellers and fill the fields.'
He said the land had been left derelict for years despite repeated council promises to build new housing there.
He added: 'The travellers might as well use it because the council aren't going to build anything at this rate.'
Mr Johnson and another traveller John Docherty said they were not aware of any other travellers seeking to move there.
A council spokesman said: 'The council has begun the process of regaining possession of the land on which this encampment has been established.
'In the meantime, we will continue to assist representatives of other agencies in assessing and managing any welfare needs.'

THE ECHO

Am I the only one thinking that a group of gypos in their caravans is likely making that area look a little better?

Let them stay, I say. They're letting most people live in that area for free, why not them!?

Especially if they're doing no harm.

When I seen them on the land yesterday I was thinking why not let them stay there, I bet they have more respect than some of the locals.. they would make the Place look better than its look for the past how many years. And if the the locals are happy then why not...

As I was reading this I was thinking, what harm are they doing? Why does the council really want the land back? They aren't doing a damn thing with it!
If they aren't stealing the lead off the roofs then leave them to it, I say!

Good point Croc

I guess they have to be seen to be fair across the board with these things.

Yes i totally agree with you croc ,you know John docherty he is related to the one off big brother

If only they were though! Layabouts getting free accomodation but little old ladies being thrown out of care homes due to closures, if they WERE fair across the board then items like these wouldn't make the news!

You will soon find the novelty will wear off when the buckets of human waste end up close to where you live,dreadful,disgusting awful.

Yeh they can stay. But how long will it be until crime increases in the area and their waste is everywhere on the site because they have nowhere else to take it?

I completely disagree with letting them stay, it defeats the object. Why should I pay mortgage, tax and other fees to do my bit for the economy when they can live for free and have the sympathy of people?

crime increase in birkenhead north?

WELL NOTED.

An increase is an increase. Why should we pay for them!

It really annoys me thats all

I

Lmao

whatold ladies thrown out the care homes