A COUNCIL has apologised to Stourport residents and businesses fed up at the nine-month encampment of travellers on a town car park.

Seven vans have been on the Stourport Sports Centre car park since last June and Wyre Forest District Council said it was working through “complex” legal issues to move the travellers as soon as possible.

But some people in the town believe enough is enough and have called on the authority to take urgent action to remove them.

The problem was exasperated earlier this month when three more vans appeared on an adjoining car park. These have since been moved on by the council.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “Early last year, the travellers pitched up at Stourport Memorial Park and caused a public outcry.

“They eventually moved to The Sports Centre Car Park No 2 and they have stayed there while the council makes efforts to find them a permanent site.

“Three more vans set up residence at the rear of the centre on Car Park No 3 and visitors appear to be able to come and go as they please.”

Another resident added: “I think nine months is a long time and we have all been very patient. It is time they were moved on.”

A council spokesperson said: “Wyre Forest District Council is continuing to work as quickly as legally possible on a complex set of legal issues and housing matters relating to the encampment of travellers on the car park at Stourport Sports Centre.

“The council is working with local partners to monitor noise levels and council officers continue to regularly visit the car park. No damage has been caused to the site.

“The additional group of travellers that arrived vacated the site over the weekend (of March 20/21) after being served with a formal notice.

“The council would like to apologise to local people and regular users of the car park for any inconvenience being caused by the encampment.”