Bailiffs evict Travellers from Riddlesdown Common - London

From the Croydon Guardian

Bailiffs have evicted a group of Travellers who set up an illegal camp at Riddlesdown Common on Wednesday morning.

Some 19 caravans and 13 vehicles where forced to leave the beauty spot - which is a designated site of scientific interest - by City of London Corporation staff last night.

Staff cleared two truck-loads of rubbish after the eviction.

The Travellers had been asked to leave by 10am yesterday but did not meet the deadline.

City of London Corporation, which owns the land, took legal advice and employed bailiffs to clear the site by 8pm.

The green space's car park was closed last night to prevent the group returning.

Bob Warnock, City of London's superintendent at Riddlesdown Common, said: "I would like to express my thanks to the local community for their co-operation and support over the last two days.

"The City of London Corporation manages Riddlesdown as an important and diverse part of London’s cultural and natural heritage, shaped by its unique geology and history.

"Thousands of years of human activity have been observed here, including earthworks, old trackways and a Roman road.

"It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Green Flag holder. It is simply not suitable for caravans, vehicles and litter.”

Staff were onsite again today completing the clear-up and cutting grass.

Around ten caravans were evicted from Beddington Park earlier this week after Travellers' set up an illegal camp.