By Kat Bawmwang
A group of travellers abandoned their camp on Tooting Common today after being told to leave within 24 hours or face prosecution.
The travellers were served notices requiring them to depart this afternoon after arriving early yesterday.
Environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said they placed officers from the parks police team on the common overnight in order to make sure that no other vehicles joined the camp.
“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,” he said.
“As a result of this firm action these travellers have been moved on very quickly, ensuring the common did not suffer any long lasting damage.”
Camping overnight on any part of Tooting Common, without Wandsworth Council’s prior authorisation, is a criminal offence under parks and open spaces byelaws.
The council also has the powers to physically remove any person and their belongings if they do not comply with the byelaws.
Residents are urged to contact the town hall’s emergency response team on 020 8871 6900 at any time if they notice any incident involving travellers on council-owned land.
Occupations of other land should be immediately reported to the police.
An approved travellers site is provided by the council in Trewint Street, Earlsfield.
