Crackdown on stray estate horses in Tipton

A crackdown on stray and illegally tethered horses in Tipton has been launched amid fears over public safety.

Sandwell Council has warned that bailiffs will be brought in to round up any animals found illegally tethered or roaming free.

A council spokesman said it is estimated there are up to 60 horses grazing or left untethered in Tipton and up to 10 are roaming free.

Bailiffs will now issue enforcement notices to owners.

The notices give people 24 hours to remove their animals or face having them impounded.

'Obvious risk'

The spokesman added earlier this week, that several horses were spotted on Jubilee Park, which includes a children's play area and is a popular spot with parents and toddlers.

Councillor Derek Rowley, the council's Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods, said: "We are cracking down on stray and illegally tethered horses.

"I hope this warning to owners will serve as notice to remove their animals from council land before the bailiffs are sent in to impound them.

"There is an obvious risk to public safety when horses are allowed to roam free or are tethered on unsuitable land, they also cause damage to land and property."