Travellers return to Cannon Hill Common - London

From the Wimbledon Guardian

A convoy of Travellers set up camp on Cannon Hill Common last weekend after removing logs placed to deter them.

A group of 10 to 12 caravans moved onto the common overnight on Friday, July 12, by moving a log which Merton Council placed in late 2012 in an effort to prevent Travellers moving onto the site.

The Travellers were expected to be evicted yesterday, but it is understood they left this morning.

Councillors and residents are now calling on the council to do more to secure the site which has seen groups repeatedly set up there.

Councillor Debbie Shears, who represents Cannon Hill ward, said: "The encampments are getting bigger every time they come.

"They were here on the hottest weekend of the year taking up a large area of the common.

"We are calling on the council to do a really good job of securing the site.

She added: "No disrespect to Travellers but there are dedicated sites that they should be travelling to.

"They come on the common and generally go on to Merton Park somewhere.

"We have to make it clear that we are a borough that will not tolerate Travellers coming in.

"The council needs to spend money and make it secure because it’s just not good enough."