Locals in Birmingham have been left disappointed as community events were cancelled after a group of travellers set up camp at a family park. The travellers have set up camp at Swanshurst Park on the outskirts of Moseley and Billesley for the third time in just a few weeks.

Local community group Friends of Swanshurst Park says it has informed the council and plans to initiate eviction proceedings. This now means the upcoming 'Balsam bashing' event, which refers to the removal of the plant, Himalayan Balsam, to protect native species. The event organisers posted on Facebook: "We are cancelling our Balsam bashing session this Saturday as the travellers are very close to the area we would be working.

"We will rearrange another date and post details as soon as it has been decided."

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council previously said: "Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it.

"The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community - which is in line with Government policy - and details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website."

Images have shown a number of caravans and cars arriving to set up camp at the park.

A local named Mary Hart said: "There have been three lots of travellers this year on Swanshurst.

"Each time a different group. Last time there were two groups at the same time. The clean-up is mostly done by volunteers with help from the council."