Reports of anti-social behaviour as yet another illegal encampment arrives

Council officers have begun proceedings to have the latest travellers' encampment moved on from Ealing Common.

( residents' photos)

Several caravans were reported to have arrived on Monday afternoon ( 4th March) and residents alerted their local ward Councillor Joanna Dabrowska, who immediately contacted the authorities.

( residents' photos)

She says within the first hour of the group arriving there were reports about break-ins and attempted burglaries and also allegations that a dog walker and dog were attacked by three unleashed dogs - thought to belong to the encampment.

Council officers say they intend to serve the official ‘notice to leave’ and if the group do not comply they will go to court to seek a removal order.

If police receive reports of anti-social behaviour they can also help with the eviction with a Section 61.

This latest incursion is thought to be the 21st unauthorised encampment in the Borough and fuels local anger over such regular occurences. In the last two years the costs involved, including legal expenses, cleaning up, officer time, repairs, have totalled over £600k.

Last year over 1,500 people signed a petition calling on Ealing Council to implement a borough-wide injunction on all public open spaces and other council-owned land to prevent such unauthorised encampments occurring.

The Council rejected the petition saying such and approach "was not appropriate or feasible for the borough at present".

An  Ealing council spokesperson said: "Park officers have visited the encampment to carry out the necessary welfare and site assessments and the police have issued a code of conduct. The next step is to issue notices.

"With Ealing Common being a registered Common, any significant changes to access need to be consented by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. An application that will include measures such as additional railings. ditches and mounds is currently being prepared."

6th March 2019 ( updated)