Travellers Camp on Chiswick Back Common

Large group believed to have been moved on earlier from Gunnersbury Park

Travellers on Chiswick Back Common. Picture: @ YoubMhamed

A traveller encampment of about 10 vehicles including motor homes and caravans has appeared on Chiswick Back Common next to the Rocks Lane Sports Centre this Thursday evening (23 May).

The group are reported to have appeared at some point before 7.30pm. The police are monitoring the situation.

It is believed that the group had been camped earlier in Gunnersbury Park when they were moved on earlier in the day.

Previously concern had been raised about an increase in possible traveller incursions into open spaces in the Chiswick area after Ealing Council had obtained a borough wide injunction against camps. The injunction forbids caravans, mobile homes, vans and lorries from coming onto public land for the purpose of occupying it or depositing waste.

A source told Chiswickw4.com that Hounslow Council is also seriously considering seeking a similar injunction, in a bid to prevent displacement by traveller encampments coming into the borough.

In Chiswick, Lendlease had to take action to step up security on one of its sites, following the recent incursion of several caravans into a vacant site behind Sainsbury's. After the travellers left, the company had to get rid of mounds of rubbish and building waste which was left behind.

A spokesperson for Hounslow Council said earlier, "We are aware of Ealing council’s introduction of an injunction against travellers.

"While we continue to explore our options with regard to unlawful occupation of public land by any party, we have yet to decide what further measures we may take to discourage future illegal trespass."

In previous years there have been travellers staying or short periods of time at Dukes Meadows, But the High Court injunctions sought by the Councils only relate to public land. In theory this could expose private landowners to greater risk of incursions. Such sites in the Chiswick area include the B&Q site, the Chiswick Curve site, and others in the Gunnersbury area.

May 23, 2019