Travellers return to Sutton just as councillors discuss preventative measures - London

From the Sutton Guardian

Travellers have returned to Sutton just as councillors and residents were exploring preventative measures.

Travellers were spotted in Roundshaw Park on Monday and the council took action to move them on.

On Tuesday evening councillors Colin Hall, Joyce Melican, Malcolm Brown and assistant parks manager Bill Wyatt met with campaigners to discuss preventative measures in Mellows Park, Wallington.

However, after their discussion in the park, an influx of Travellers pulled in – after being expelled from Roundshaw Park.

One of the campaigners, Tracy Macheta, said: “Two seconds after we walked away [the Travellers] drove on to the park.

“People are avoiding the park. People feel intimidated.

“The kids play park was full yesterday – there’s nowhere near as many today.”

At a meeting on July 5 councillors agreed funding for preventative measures to be taken to protect Mellows Park.

Councillor Colin Hall, deputy leader of Sutton Council, said: “The council took immediate action to move travellers on from Roundshaw and is doing the same in Mellows Park.

“We won’t tolerate illegal encampments and will always move people on as quickly as we can using byelaws or court orders. We are currently looking at preventative measures to prevent this from continuing into the future.”