Travellers moved on from Tesco set up camp less than a mile away in car park of a Virgin Active health club
Just over 24 hours after setting up camp outside 24-hour Tesco and 'intimidating' locals, travellers move to posh gym car park
OVER a dozen travellers who invaded a Tesco car park have set up camp little over a mile away – in the grounds of a posh Virgin Active health club.
Around six caravans pitched up on private land owned by Richard Branson in Blythe Park, Shirley, near Solihull, West Midlands, on Sunday afternoon.
Just 24 hours before moving over to the upmarket gym and spa, they set up their caravans near a 24-hour Tesco.
The invasion comes after locals claimed they felt intimidated by the travellers as they tried to go about their weekend shopping at the supermarket giant.
Speaking on the influx, local councillor Ken Hawkins for Blythe Ward, Solihull, said: "Several (residents) told me that they avoided going shopping on Saturday due to the travellers.
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"I believe the petrol station at the supermarket was closed for this reason.
"It is frustrating as a councillor that they are able to trespass on land in this way.
"My fear is that next time they may use force to gain entry to our parks, and cause damage.
"It's another incursion from travellers, and in the last couple of years we have seen a number of incidents, particularly in our park.
"There are some travellers that are good and who clear up and some that are nasty.
"Unfortunately, the vast majority of our experience of travellers has seen little respect for our community.
"As it on private land this time the law limits us.
“But council officers and police are working with the land owners to guide them through the process of getting them removed."
A female member of staff working at Virgin Active said: "The gypsies moved onto the car park but the health club is still open.
"So far none of the travellers have tried to use the facilities. We are only open to members.
"The travellers have until Tuesday to leave but whether that happens remains to be seen."
A Virgin spokesman said: “We have been working with local authorities and they have instructed the travellers to vacate the premises. We would like to reassure all our members that our Solihull club is open as normal. If they have any difficulties parking, the council has kindly opened up the local Blythe Valley Area car park for our members to use. We also have staff manning the car park during peak times to assist any members looking to access the club.”
A spokeswoman from Solihull Council added: "The council is aware of the unauthorised encampment at Blythe Valley Business Park.
"Council officers and colleagues from the police will work closely with the land owner to support with this incident wherever possible."
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