Travellers quit Tooting Common - London

From Wandsworth.gov.uk

A group of Travellers who set up an illegal camp on Tooting Common on Friday morning have complied with the council’s deadline to leave or face legal action.

The Travellers left over the weekend after being given a 24 hour deadline to leave or face prosecution and the risk of having all their vehicles seized.

Camping overnight on any part of Tooting Common, without prior authorisation from the council, is a criminal offence under parks and open spaces byelaws.

The council has powers to physically remove any person, and their belongings, including vehicles, if they do not comply with the byelaws.

Environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: "I am delighted that the swift and firm action we took to protect the common has paid off and that these Travellers have been quickly sent on their way.

"Because we were able to move this group on so quickly there has not been any long lasting damage caused to the common."

Residents who witness any incident involving Travellers on council-owned land are being urged to contact the town hall's emergency response team on (020) 8871 6900. This is a 24 hour service. Occupations of other land should be reported immediately to the police.

The council provides an approved Travellers site in Trewint Street, Earlsfield.