Group of travellers row with security guards in west London park and ‘refuse to leave’ after 12 caravans move in and set up camp
- A group of travellers set up camp in Kew Green in Richmond on Thursday night
- Requested to move the following day but the group refused to leave the area
- Council decided to take legal action to force the group to leave picturesque park
- Group were seen confronting security guards on Saturday as they packed up
Travellers who set up camp in a park in an affluent park in west London confronted security guards when they were asked to leave.
Richmond Council announced yesterday it was taking legal action against the travellers who settled in Kew Green, Richmond, on Thursday evening.
A group of people with around 12 caravans and other vehicles refused to leave the picturesque green when asked to move on Friday.
Travellers who set up camp in Kew Green, west London, confronted security guards when they were asked to leave on Saturday
The group were seen appearing to pack up their vehicles after security guards arrived and parts of their camp were dismantled
A group of people with around 12 caravans and other vehicles refused to leave the picturesque green when asked to move on Friday
The local council threatened to take legal action against the group after they refused to leave when requested
While council representatives warned the legal action may take a while and result in a delay in moving the camp out of the area, officers were seen at the site today.
Some of the group were pictured dismantling posts which had been installed in the ground and packing up their caravans.
Young children were playing outside their homes and riding bikes while mothers walked their babies around the park in their prams.
Some men in the group were also seen brushing their teeth before packing up the caravans.
Council representatives warned the legal action may take a while and result in a delay in moving the camp out of the area, security guards were seen at the site today taking down posts which had been erected
Young children were playing outside their homes and riding bikes while mothers walked their babies around the park in their prams
Some of the group were pictured dismantling posts which had been installed in the ground and packing up their caravans
Mothers were pictured walking around the park pushing their children around in prams
The council was forced to resort to challenging the camp through the courts due to a High Court order earlier this month
On Friday, Richmond Council confirmed it would be commencing the legal process to obtain and enforce a Possession Order.
Delays were expected due to a High Court order earlier this month that denied the Council’s request to extend the previous expedited injunction process, in common with numerous other local authorities.
Instead, the Council is forced to to go via the courts to remove the group.
A spokesperson for the local authority confirmed once the travellers have been removed it will endeavour to repair any damage caused.
On Friday, Richmond Council confirmed it would be commencing the legal process to obtain and enforce a Possession Order
The local authority confirmed once the travellers have been removed it will endeavour to repair any damage caused
Speaking on Friday, Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: ‘A small group of travellers has arrived in Kew.
‘This morning, Council officers will commence the legal action required to expedite their departure.
‘Due to a recent court ruling, this process will not be as fast as residents would like and I know that they will be concerned, but we have to work within the law.
‘As soon as the travellers leave, we will inspect the area and ensure that any damage is repaired, and waste removed.
‘Our Park Guard officers, along with the Police, will be monitoring the site closely until the group depart.’
Richmond Council has been approached for comment.