Forum Topic

"Travellers"

Suprised to see no comment here on the infestation of "travellers" in Gunnersbury and then Blondin parks, last seen moving south along Windmill road at about 10:10 this morning. Anyway, well done Ealing Council on prompt action. I'm further surprised that our parks don't have those anti-traveller gates that you see in other areas and certainly all over Ireland.

Mike Paterson ● 4252d16 Comments

they were obviously approaching local companies as well as residents.http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/90-tonnes-bulky-waste-200-7289778

Philippa Bond ● 4246d

They thrive through a complete lack of disregard for others and intimidation and knowing they have a reputation.About 7/8 years ago, my neighbour (to my disgust) decided to change his beautiful rear lawned garden into one coverd from top to tail in shingle (and then moaned when cats from all around came and shat in it, but that's a different story!).My wife, being from the West of Ireland, instantly recognised the accents of the travellers and warned me not to engage with them at all. My neighbour gave money up front and was subsequently marched to the cashpoint 3 more times before the job would be finished and was warned what would happen to him if he didn't pay or complained. Nice people!

Bud Richards ● 4247d

One reason I guess is that if you impound their vehicles you are left with their ruddy caravans. if you have to move them, where do you put them?Equally you risk them declaring themselves homeless at a far greater burden than clearing up after them.Perhaps we simply need to make it far me difficult for tem to move onto our open spaces, although what you do with somewhere like Ealing Common, God only knows!

Nigel Brooks ● 4247d

Precisely.And there is obviously no "will" - at all.You have to ask - Why?

Rosco White ● 4247d

No one or no group is beyond the rule of law.Given a fair wind these 'travellers' could be prosecuted for any number of infringements.It just takes the will to do it.

Nigel Brooks ● 4247d

Yes, of course there's a solution, and a fairly straightforward one I'd guess, even if new legislation has to be quickly passed.However, the Liberal, Politically Correct, Human Rights supporting classes that rule all our major parties know better than you, know what's good for you because you don't, and certainly don't care what you (The Electorate) actually want - so nothing will be done. Why should it, it doesn't affect them the slightest in their ivory towers.Is it any wonder Mr Farage and his doctrines are gaining momentum!

Rosco White ● 4247d

Surely there must be a solution to this problem that is recurring everywhere!!September 2013, Tooting Commonhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2426877/Tooting-Common-travellers-leave-huge-pile-rubbish-eviction.htmlSeptember 2013, Ashfordhttp://www.ashfordherald.co.uk/Gypsies-leave-14-tonnes-trash/story-19848660-detail/story.htmlApril 2014, Balnagask, Aberdeenhttp://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/469284/Nappies-in-bunkers-dogs-chasing-golfers-Golf-course-destroyed-after-gypsies-set-up-camp

S Tura ● 4248d

I wonder if the pictures are good enough for people to recognise the waste that they handed over - and if so I hope that a few consciences will be pricked.  We should be checking that anyone taking our waste is a licensed waste carrier.  You can check with the Environmental Agency.  If the waste is traced back to you then you can be fined yourself.

Philippa Bond ● 4249d

Had a walk round Gunnersbury this morning and the piles of rubbish in the SE corner are pretty staggering. No sign of any clean-up operation starting either.

Susan Kelly ● 4251d

There are some very interesting posts on the ChiswickW4 forum from an ex-police officer about how difficult it is to prosecute these 'people'.

Nigel Brooks ● 4252d

I agree with you Colin, all that you and said in your post. Anyone else would have been made to pay.

Jaz Brown ● 4252d

Why do we as a society pussyfoot around these people?They revel in their status of being above the law.I'd estimate they've caused costs of around 60k in the last 3 or 4 weeks. Spread that over a year and wince. It's money we as council tax payers are financing plus we also finance the legal camps that local authorities are forced to provide.So the economist in me says why not dedicate £200k a year for a specific force of 4 or 5 coppers to follow these groups around, impound their wagons until they pay fines for cleaning up what's left behind and force them to accept the law of society rather than the other way round?Too simple I suppose.Glad I was away at the time as I often walk the dog in both these parks

Colin Goodman ● 4252d

Needless to say there is rubbish everywhere.

Bud Richards ● 4252d

The thread on W4 is pretty vitriolic. No love lost there.What state is Blondin park after the departure?

Kim Rugg ● 4252d

Heading down Windmill? Watch out Osterley!

Susan Kelly ● 4252d

Must admit Mike, I am surprised as well. The one person who gave a glimmer of support for them on the ChiswickW4 forum has been well and truly 'flamed'.

Nigel Brooks ● 4252d