In Irby, Merseyside, a group of travellers has caused significant concern among residents by using bulldozers to tear up a protected greenbelt field. Locals fear this may be a land grab, especially as heavy machinery was deployed without any planning permission from Wirral Council. The rapid transformation of the site, which spans nearly one acre, has raised alarms about the potential for illegal development in a sensitive area.
The land, previously listed for sale at £90,000 to £100,000, was described as desirable green space, highlighting its protected status. No planning applications have been lodged, prompting local Conservative campaigner David Fairbairn to alert the council and police about the situation. He expressed outrage over the sudden excavation work, which has turned the area into what resembles a construction site.
Councillor Mark Skillicorn has also flagged the activity as suspicious, labelling it a potentially unauthorised encampment. Wirral Council is monitoring the developments closely but lacks the authority to intervene directly since the land is privately owned. They are coordinating with various agencies to assess the situation and determine the next steps.
Residents are now anxiously awaiting the outcome of enforcement actions, hoping for a swift resolution to prevent further destruction of their greenbelt. The incident underscores ongoing tensions regarding land use and the protection of green spaces in the UK, raising questions about enforcement of planning regulations and community rights.
Source: GB News
