TRAVELLERS who have been encamped on a Stourport car park for more than six months could remain there for some time, council bosses have revealed.

Around six vans have been based on the car park of Stourport Sports Centre since June last year and Wyre Forest District Council said it was dealing with a set of “complex issues” to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

It is thought the travellers had previously been moved from the Memorial Park in Stourport last year before they moved to Bewdley and Kidderminster before setting up camp in the current location.

Stourport Mayor Councillor Cliff Brewer said he understood that the district council would have to find a site for the travellers in the town before they could be moved from the car park.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Cabinet Member for Operational Services said: “Wyre Forest District Council is currently dealing with a complex set of issues relating to the encampment of travellers on the car park at Stourport Sports Centre.

“Whilst on the face of it, it may not appear there has been much activity, the Council is being very proactive in addressing them having due regard for statutory responsibilities in a complicated housing matter where a legal process must be followed.

"This is likely to be a protracted process and is not likely to be resolved quickly.

“The Council is doing everything as fast as it possibly can to resolve the situation, including responding appropriately to any local concerns that may arise.

“This includes regular monitoring and liaison with community safety partners and local ward members.”