Forum Topic

Travellers on Ealing Common

I have tweeted the council about the travellers parked at the end of Warwick road between Ealing Common. The reason for this is the human waste, bottles of wee and rubbish strewn around the area of their caravans. After the damage travellers caused in our borough last year that cost the council over £20k to clear up I do not understand why a harder stance is not taken. Also if there are £50 fines to dog owners that do not pick up their waste why is it not the same for humans? It seems Ealing council either don't care, are too scared to do anything. Has anyone else complained to the council?

Jamie Fuller ● 3666d28 Comments

In fact, they've moved onto the grass on the Acton side of ealing common, whereas before they were parked on the road, where they paid the daily charge.

Barbara Karayi ● 3575d

They just moved to the Acton side of the common. So much for the eviction!

Jamie Fuller ● 3576d

I have just cycled by - 2 police vans there and 3 caravans seem to have been moved to road opposite on Ealing Common. Gypsies appear to be picking up the litter! So a resolution at last?

Nick Robinson ● 3576d

I wonder if the complication is the "common land" issue. I appreciate that this does no give rights to all to camp and the like but the local authority is not always the owner of such land.  Any ideas who owns Ealing Common?

Philip Coe ● 3580d

Propane Gas,I presume is what is in used normally for fuel forcooking and heating in caravans,both safe if used properly andremember these people are well used to changing and using these gas cylinders and the gas therein,the appliances,hobs, ovens etc.Will have safety devices and flame failure devices fitted as normal.It is not illegal to use for this purpose in any caravan on the public highway,think of Hot dog vans at fairgrounds etc.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3581d

Possibly drugs ?

Beryl Bashford ● 3582d

What do you you think they are distributing?

Christopher Bell ● 3583d

there seems to be a nice steady stream of visitors driving up to the caravans late at night - the visitors drop by, presumably for a cup of tea and then leave literally a few minutes later. Maybe it's because no biscuits are provided.

Ian Ellis ● 3584d

They were seen throwing bags of rubbish into the gully that runs next to Gunnersbury Avenue.  Must be great to set up a homestead in Ealing - and not have to pay council tax.

Charles Campbell ● 3584d

I see another caravan has now joined them. There are now 4, and still no action.

Simon Bell ● 3584d

Apparently they have applied to stay in Ealing which is why they are still on the Common! I suggested perhaps the council should let them stay in the council office car park!

Jamie Fuller ● 3618d

Apparently they are now somewhere in Northfields, I hear.

Simon Wycombe ● 3618d

I saw some at Barclays Sports Ground(Park view Rd) but seemed to disappear within 24-48 hours.The most expensive bit of land in Ealing that must be.

Simon Wycombe ● 3623d

There are certainly a lot of people walking past these gas cylinders - including children.  Let the council beware if something happens.

Charles Campbell ● 3624d

I notice that they have gas cylinders hooked up outside the vans.  Does that mean they may have open flames in the caravan?  And, if so, is it legal to have a gas flame in a van parked on a road?  I thought I read something about it, but can't be sure.

Charles Campbell ● 3624d

thought they were polish guys in a couple of caravans

Simon Wycombe ● 3624d

They never left the common. Arrived in Nov/Dec and have been there ever since!!

Jamie Fuller ● 3624d

Are they back at E/Common or are we talking about Gunnersbury Park?

Simon Wycombe ● 3624d

All - I have taken to twitter to get onto the council and local councillors. There are only 3 of us on twitter hassling them, so the more the better. The travellers have taken a storm drain up that they are now checking "waste" down and litter. I was also told they are trying to hawk goods at the side of the road, surely a police matter to stop?

Jamie Fuller ● 3624d

Yes, it is true that travellers need somewhere to stay, but is it also true that Ealing council need to provide a suitable site for them? Are we to assume that Ealing council now allows setting up of camps on the common. If so the why don’t they collect the numerous black plastic bags of rubbish that are accumulating nearby. Also a caravan with residents has appeared in the car park for Gunnersbury Park, are we to assume that this has also become another camping facility.

Dwayne Taylor ● 3629d

I have been told by my local councillor Joanna Dabrowska that notice has been served. This was a month ago or so and clearly they are still there.

Barbara Karayi ● 3630d

When I called the council, I was told by the person who answered "they have to have somewhere to stay" and, in any case, we can't do anything about it.  You have to call the police.  She repeated the statement about needing somewhere to stay a few times.  Great response!

Charles Campbell ● 3631d

Travellers now joined by people living in Vans on Warwick Road Ealing Common. Council informed but no change......

Kevin McGrath ● 3631d

Charles this is incorrect. I have communicated with the police and they can do nothing about the eviction without instructions from the Council.They can deal with illegal activity.Please email Lorien Nash ; Earl Mckenzie ; Cllr. Julian Bell

Kevin McGrath ● 3652d

I am been chasing the Council for over three months on this issue. Please email your complaints to Lorien Nash ; Earl Mckenzie ; Cllr. Julian Bell It will strengthen their case for eviction.

Kevin McGrath ● 3652d

To call them "travellers" seems like a bit of an oxymoron.

David Swift ● 3656d

Any Ealing Common ward councillors on board today - Roz, Joanne, John ?

Charles Campbell ● 3666d

Evidently the council can't do anything about it - it seems to be a police matter, so I was informed.

Charles Campbell ● 3666d