Travellers try to occupy green in Wanstead
Cllr Sheila Bain (Lab, Wanstead) was walking her dog on the green and spoke to officials. - Credit: David Tyrrell
Travellers were unable to settle on the George Green in Wanstead, earlier today, after concerned members of the community reported the situation to the authorities.
Cllr Sheila Bain (Lab, Wanstead) was walking her dog on the green and spoke to officials. - Credit: David Tyrrell
A number of caravans had tried to occupy the site.
Christine Richards, whose property runs alongside the green, said she was apprehensive to go out.
“They are right up against my house,” she said. “My wall and my house runs right alongside the green. There is lorries right up against my wall. I have to go out and I don’t feel like leaving my property.”
A spokesman for Redbridge Council, said the convoy of 11 traveller vehicles were first spotted around 12.30pm.
Forest Keepers from the City of London Corporation - which manages the land - were supported by the Redbridge Community Police Team in assisting the travellers to move on.
“Driving on forest land with the intention to stay overnight is a bylaw offence,” said a spokesman for the corporation.
Most Read
- 1 Boy, 2, injured after 'dog attack' at funfair
- 2 Ilford man has van crushed, given curfew for Barking and Dagenham fly-tips
- 3 Lightbulb likely cause of Khartoum Road house fire
- 4 Five jailed after 'cold blooded' murder of Enfield father
- 5 Commission ends safeguarding probe into charity
- 6 VOTE: Which east London fish and chip shop is your favourite?
- 7 Met investigates cause of Mossford Green cemetery blaze
- 8 5 of the best things to do with kids in east London
- 9 7 of the best Chinese restaurants with delivery in east London
- 10 Caught on camera: 6 wanted fly-tippers and litterbugs
“The City of London Corporation is determined to protect Epping Forest as an important part of Essex’s and London’s natural heritage.
“We protect 18 major green spaces in London and south east England – including Epping Forest, Wanstead Park and Wanstead Flats - and over 200 smaller ones in the Square Mile alone.
“They are incredibly important wildlife habitats.”
Cllr Sheila Bain (Lab, Wanstead) was seen talking to the authorities while walking her dog on the green.
The council spokesman added that the travellers “left in the direction of Barking and Dagenham”.
