Sutton Council says it could be two weeks before travellers are removed from Beddington Park

A group of caravans arrived on Beddington Park in an area off Croydon Road last week and Sutton Council is taking action to remove them but says it could take as much as two weeks.

The council says it has taken measures to stop travellers setting up their homes on the borough's parks but admits it is difficult to stop people damaging property to get in.

The group of travellers arrived last Wednesday with around 10 caravans, several cars and trailers. Neighbours made police and the council aware shortly after the travellers arrived.

Councillor Jill Whitehead said: "A group of travellers entered Beddington Park through a gate that had been locked. We are now awaiting social service inspections before deciding on methods to move the travellers on as quickly and effectively as possible.

"We anticipate that they will be gone within the next two weeks."
Last year the council took measures to stop travellers entering parks with caravans by installing bollards and mounds of soil but not all of the borough's parks have been part of the scheme.

Coun Whitehead added: "Bollards do not prevent people from damaging property to gain entry and with over 90 parks and open spaces in Sutton it is very difficult to say that this would be 100 per cent successful.

"We will continue to work with our partners to tackle incidents as they occur and take the appropriate action where needed."

In recent weeks travellers have occupied Roundshaw Park, the car park at the old Worcester Park Tavern and set up a previous camp in Beddington Park. The latest invasion prompted outrage from neighbours who turned to twitter to voice their disapproval.

Paul Hooper tweeted council leader Ruth Dombey and Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake to say: "Travellers AGAIN in Beddington Park. REALLY!!!! A Permanent solution needs to be found QUICKLY."

Where the travellers have set up camp