From Wandsworth Borough Council
A group of Travellers have been warned that they face prosecution and run the risk of having their vehicles seized if they do not move off Tooting Common this afternoon.
Around 19 vehicles and caravans invaded the common yesterday. Apparently these Travellers have come to the area to attend a wedding.
They were immediately warned by the council that camping on the common is unlawful and that they would face legal action if they did not leave within 24 hours.
They have been ordered to quit by 2.30pm today (Wednesday). Any of the Travellers who flout this deadline will face the firm prospect of being taken to court.
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.
Council officers and the Metropolitan Police’s safer parks team will be monitoring the group throughout the day to ensure that no other byelaws are breached.
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.
see also The Daily Mail - My Big Fat Gypsy Dumping Ground! Huge amount of rubbish and building materials left behind after Travellers are evicted from Tooting Common after staying just THREE DAYS
The BBC - Tooting Common Travellers' waste a 'disgrace'
The Streatham Guardian - Taxpayer to bear cost of mass flytipping by Travellers on Tooting Common
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