AN “outrageous” amount of mess has been left by travellers who set up illegal camps in Oldbury and Rowley Regis.

Sandwell Council is seeking a court order to force the last few caravans off Brandhall Playing Fields before the clean up operation can begin there.

At its height, there were 47 caravans on the playing fields after travellers moved on almost four weeks ago.

Three caravans remain, one of which is empty, and the council is applying for a court order on Friday at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for repossession of the land.

Twenty caravans invaded the green in Rowley Village, next to St Michael’s High School, last Wednesday (July 8) and moved off of their own accord on Monday.

Cabinet member for regeneration and economy Councillor Paul Moore said: “We don’t have final costs as yet because the clean up is currently under way but the waste and rubbish left at both sites is outrageous.”

He added: "Illegal encampments, whether on council or private land, are unacceptable. Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police are working together to deal with the situation.”