In response to a threat of “illegal encampment”, all parks in Redbridge will be shut to vehicles tomorrow.
A group of Travellers will be evicted from a location in the borough and Redbridge Council is acting to ensure that they do not move to another green space in the vicinity.
A council spokesman said: “On Thursday September 28, all of our parks will be closed to vehicles because of the threat of illegal encampment.
“Pedestrian access will not be affected.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause visitors.”
The Recorder understands that the council is acting on advice from the police by not allowing vehicles entry into open spaces.
Despite erecting barriers and locking gates at other locations, the local authority’s powers are very limited to stop Travellers occupying land.
In the last few weeks Travellers have set up camp at the former Valentine pub in Gants Hill, The Doctor Johnson in Clayhall and Tesco car park in Goodmayes.
They also stayed a couple of days in Ilford, next to a school.
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