HALESOWEN residents and councillors breathed a sigh of relief this morning after the travellers on Hurst Green Park left.

Caravans were first seen on the park on Sunday evening which led to a stand off with police, councillors and residents who demanded they leave.

Halesowen North Councillor Hilary Bills confirmed the travellers had left by 5.30pm yesterday (Monday).

She said: “I am relieved for the residents that this time there has been a swift removal of the travellers.

"This was made possible because the measures put in by the council have shown that the only way to gain access to the park is by a criminal act."

"This means the police can use their powers, avoiding the lengthy court system councils have to use."

She added: "I hope the message has gone out to the traveller community that Hurst Green Park is no longer a place they can use.

"I congratulate the members of the community who came out in such large numbers on Sunday evening, letting the travellers know they are not welcome here."