Group of gypsies await High Court decision

The gypsies have been living on greenbelt land in Meriden without planning permission for nearly two years.

They have already lost one appeal to build a permanent site on the land after they applied for retrospective permission to build eight pitches for their caravans.

Solihull Borough Council refused planning permission and that was backed by Eric Pickles, The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The gypsies lodged an appeal at the High Court and will find out if they’ve won the right to stay on the land today.

Since the gypsies arrival villagers have been keeping a 24 hour vigil. But although their protest camp has also been ruled illegal because it does not have planning permission, villagers say they will continue to protest until the gypsies are evicted.