TWO Bromsgrove businessmen have won a groundbreaking court victory in their long-running battle to fend off travellers who keep invading land they own in the town.

Malcolm and Douglas Clark - founders of Clarks Motor Services - have been granted an injunction that could land anyone who places a caravan on the plot, in Buntsford Drive, in front of a judge for contempt, possibly leading to jail or a fine.

It is claimed to be the first time in the country that such an order has been obtained to prevent travellers from moving on to a site - and it has already sent one group of caravans packing.

The Clark brothers were backed by Bromsgrove District Council and West Mercia Police in their successful application to Birmingham County Court for the injunction.

Their lawyer said the businessmen were fed up with "feeling the wrath" of people living near to the site during frequent invasions of their land - and the costs of damage and clearing up the site afterwards.

Local residents and people with businesses near the site, on an industrial estate, have been upset by criminal damage and antisocial behaviour at times when travellers have set up camp in Buntsford Drive.

Malcolm and Douglas Clark, who have been in business in the Bromsgrove area for over 30 years, issued a statement saying: "This land has been subject to regular incursions by travellers over the years and caused us untold distress and financial damage.

"We also know our neighbours have been particularly affected and hope at last we can all have some peace and quiet.”

Daniel Gibbin, of Family Defence Law Ltd, who sought the injunction, said: "This is the first pre-emptive injunction sought against travellers and is similar to ones that have been obtained elsewhere to prevent issues such as car racing.

"Malcolm and Douglas Clark had had enough of travellers moving on to their land in Buntsford Drive and they wanted a long-term solution.

"They were feeling the wrath of people living nearby, who had suffered damage.

"Last time it happened, the travellers were there for nearly a week, when £5,000 damage was caused to fencing and other people's property and there was the cost of cleaning up."

Mr Gibbin said that between 20 and 30 caravans had been set up on the site on occasions, with travellers cutting through fencing to gain access.

Just over a week ago, a group of travellers had arrived there - but they left straight away after being shown a copy of the injunction, issued by Recorder Avtar Khangure QC on June 9, said Mr Gibbin.

"Now anyone who puts a caravan on the land will be in contempt of court and can go to prison," he added.

"Having dealt with this problem on a number of occasions for the landowner we were delighted to advise and seek the protection of the court on their behalf.

"This was an innovative use of the law and one I have no doubt will be of interest to landowners across the country who suffer such damage and destruction on a daily basis.”

West Mercia Police Sgt Richard Field, of Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We have been delighted to offer our support as we know this has been an on-going problem for this site and adjacent businesses.

"Business crime is a priority for West Mercia Police and I hope businesses will be reassured by the action that has been taken and the support provided by the police.”

Councillor Kit Taylor, Bromsgrove Council cabinet member for planning and housing, said: “In Bromsgrove we have suffered quite a number of unauthorised encampments and this move not only means that our residents will be better protected, it reiterates that we will not tolerate illegal occupancy of land, anywhere."