Large Groups of Travellers Descend on the Area
Encampments reported in Redlees Park and Tesco Osterley car park
The traveller encampment on Brent Lea last month. Picture: Facebook
September 15, 2023
Over the last few days a number of large groups of travellers had appeared in the area with encampments being set up in Isleworth and Osterley as well as Richmond Green and Hanwell.
One group has taken up residence in Redlees Park and another in the car park at the Tesco in Osterley which groups have occupied in previous years.
The reason for the sudden appearance of travellers in such unusually large numbers is not known but there are suggestions that it is due to horse racing events taking place at Kempton Park and Sandown.
Hounslow Council visited the sites on Thursday night (14 September) and serve a Notice of Direction to Leave is being served on Friday morning. If this is breached, after 24 hours, then a date for a court hearing will be sought to take possession of the land.
A group with over 30 vehicles also appeared in Elthorne Park in Hanwell and was visited by police and Ealing Council officers but it is understood that they have now departed.
The Richmond Green encampment was particularly large with about 40 caravans observed. It is thought possible that some of this group may have dispersed to other sites in the area.
That last major incursion by travellers in the area was at the beginning of August when encampments were set up on Brent Lea and in Gunnersbury Park as well as Chiswick Back Common.
Hounslow Council provides 30 pitches and facilities for Travellers and Gypsies at the Hartlands Caravan Park in Heston.
Residents can report illegal encampments to Hounslow Council by calling 020 8583 5555.
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