At least eight caravans and motorised homes and other vehicles which have formed a travellers camp in Ham cannot be moved on because of the COVID-19 virus guidance, it was confirmed today, despite growing anger amongst local residents.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic and in line with the Government guidance on restricting the spread of the virus, Richmond Borough Council says it has to take account of additional considerations regarding the unauthorised traveller camp in Ham.

Normally, the Council retains the power to work with the Police to ensure travellers move on. Local residents claim they have been told the travellers could be there for as long as three months.

The area is popular with cyclists, dog walkers, horse owners and families especially during the restriction of movement and the sunny spell of weather.

However, under the new Government Covid19 guidance, councils are being asked to allow traveller sites to stay on council-owned land, to enable them to access vital healthcare during lockdown - provided that they adhere to the law.

The council statement says: "Under Government rules, and during the lockdown, unauthorised traveller camps will be allowed provided they do not burn rubbish, drive on footpaths or go to the toilet in the open.

"They must also not damage the site and abuse, intimidate or harass anyone or participate in any form of anti-social behaviour."

The Council understands that residents are concerned about the presence of the unauthorised camp on Riverside Drive in Ham.

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"However, the authority is currently not legally able to move them on, although we are monitoring the situation closely in order to be in a position to defend any decision to move them on."

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: "We know that residents do not like seeing unauthorised camps in our parks and open spaces, particularly when many of us are using these spaces a lot more since the lockdown. Neither do we. But our hands are tied.

"Under the new national rules we cannot use our usual powers to evict travelling families from unauthorised encampments and the Government has asked councils to allow those families to stay while the crisis continues.

"With some vulnerable people among their number, this will allow them to access healthcare and reduce the potential spread of the virus.

"Our Park Guard security team and the Police are currently working with the travellers to ensure that they do not behave illegally whilst staying in the borough.

"Residents who are concerned about illegal behaviour are able to make reports to the police by calling 101."