KINGSWINFORD’S MP has hit out after travellers set up camp in the village yesterday – the second time in less than a month.

Mike Wood MP for Dudley South said he was furious that, after camping at the back of Kingswinford Community Centre near August's Bank Holiday, the travellers have returned with “four times as many caravans and trucks” as previously.

Mr Wood said: “We reported the camp to the police and to the chief executive of Dudley Council at lunchtime on Wednesday. I am extremely angry that the council does not appear to have done anything to adequately secure the area after travellers were removed from the same site less than a month ago.

“The police can – should they choose – instruct traveller’s camps to leave an area immediately.

“I do not yet know whether we are dealing with the same group of travellers who occupied the playing fields over the bank holiday weekend. If we are then I cannot see any reason why they should not be told to leave immediately.”

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said the incident is currently the responsibility of Dudley Council and officers will only act if documents are served.

Their arrival has sparked debate on the I’m From Kingswinford Facebook site but ward councillor Patrick Harley said it is frustrating for local residents.

Cllr Harley, Dudley’s Tory group leader, said: “The site has been made much more vulnerable by the council's decision to close the youth centre and then their failure to find new tenants for the site.

“All three ward councillors and the MP are doing everything we can to make the police and the Council take the effective action that local residents deserve.

“Local youth clubs and football teams will be unable to play on the two pitches whilst these undesirable people are on there.

“It’s very frustrating for local people to understand why they have to obey the law of the land but these people can pitch up without a care for the consequences of their actions.”

This afternoon, Cllr Harley posted an update on the I’m From Kingswinford Facebook page, saying: “Latest - police and council officers on site this morning. Council documentation prepared and will be served this morning.

“Following discussions police looking to use their powers to remove this group from the site. In any event and in parallel legal documentation for court action being issued today.”