Birmingham struggles with over 500 illegal traveller camps, leaving parks unusable and residents frustrated. The council's delayed plan sparks debate.

Birmingham's parks have seen a sharp rise in unauthorised traveller encampments - more than 500 in the last five years.

That's left residents frustrated, councils under pressure, and parks out of action for days at a time.

A delayed plan to manage temporary sites has stirred debate across the city.

So what do people in Birmingham think?

We've been out asking locals for their views on traveller sites, the council's handling of it all, and what should happen next.

Watch the video: Richard Gullick reports

And while councils are legally obliged to assess welfare before moving people on, many locals feel the system prioritises process over public use.

Tempers flare. Complaints rise. And with school holidays in full swing, access to green space matters more than ever.

The council says it’s doing what it can - but the main transit site’s been vandalised, the backup’s been full for years, and temporary “negotiated stopping” zones are months behind schedule.

At the same time, taxpayers are footing the bill for clean-up and enforcement.

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Around £200,000 a year just to keep things running.

Add to that the political back-and-forth and a frustrated public, and confidence in the plan is wearing thin.

To ease tensions, the council’s backing a pilot scheme - 12 to 15 temporary stopping sites spread across the city, where rules are agreed in advance.

In theory, it means fewer park takeovers and faster resolutions. In practice, it’s behind schedule and already facing backlash. Some want tougher enforcement, not accommodation.

Others fear site placements will be quietly decided without local input.

Whatever side you’re on, the proposal’s sparked strong views. Birmingham faces a choice - either invest in managed sites and face local pushback, or keep reacting to encampments with clean-ups and court orders.

Whatever side you’re on, it’s clear the current system isn’t working - for travellers, for residents, or for the taxpayer.