Call for more power to tackle squatter problem
Call for more power to tackle squatter problem
Call for more power to tackle squatter problem
The latest round of squatter evictions on the A406 were carried out last week. Picture by Ed Maw
CALLS are growing for tougher police powers to deal with the problem of squatters.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson yesterday agreed to lobby the government for legislation to speed up the process of evicting squatters from empty or abandoned homes.
Last week, nine people were turfed out of derelict homes in New Southgate on the edge of the North Circular, as part of a spun-out eviction process to clear the way for redevelopment of the area.
Between 40 and 50 homes on the A406 in Enfield are believed to have been used by squatters, and Ken Barnett, project director for the redevelopment scheme, complained in December that getting eviction orders was a “painfully slow process”.
Currently, homeowners have to get an interim possession order from the court to start eviction, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Mr Johnson, at Mayor's Question Time, described the situation as “crazy”, and promised to lobby the government for more powers to tackle squatters.
Steve O’Connell, London assembly member for Croydon and Sutton who posed the question to Mr Johnson, said: “The police need additional powers to quickly evict squatters from an illegal occupied property without a court order.
"It is completely unfair, and the balance needs to be shifted in favour of homeowners, not squatters.”
The issue of squatters along the North Circular has been long-running and arduous for residents living legally, who have complained of people climbing into their gardens late at night, anti-social behaviour, and safety fears.
In December last year, one of the houses which is earmarked for demolition burnt down after months of use by squatters.
Notting Hill Housing Trust, which owns the houses, is currently mid-way through evicting squatters and securing the buildings which are empty.
It has been forced to bring in private security guards to patrol the area to try to prevent anyone breaking in and occupying the empty houses.
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'Around 40 migrants' rough slept in makeshift camp built underneath A406 flyover
Police and bailiffs have swooped on a second illegal encampment where up to 40 European migrants had been living.
The illegal camp, set up underneath the North Circular by the Cooks Ferry Interchange on the border of Chingford and Upper Edmonton, was cleared yesterday morning (August 6).
Landowner Thames Water confirmed they had secured an eviction order and was working with homelessness charity Thames Reach.
A Thames Water spokeswoman, said: "We do not know exact number but we think around 40 people had been living on the site for a number of months."
To gain access to the underpass site, it is understood the migrants would have had to cross the busy dual carriageway and climb down a makeshift ladder.
The camp had been abandoned by the time officers had arrived, and all that remained was evidence of the squalid "risky conditions" as photographed by officers from Enfield police.
Pictures reveal at least four mattresses, four tents and a dilapidated wooden shack.
Makeshift tents and shelters home to rough sleepers underneath A406 flyover
A Met spokesman, said: "On Thursday, August 6, at approximately 8am officers from Enfield borough attended a temporary camp that had been constructed on land between Harbet Road and the A406 North Circular Flyover at Chingford.
"Eviction notices had previously been served by bailiffs on behalf of Thames Water.
"Police were present to prevent any breach of the peace whilst the bailiffs took action.
"On arrival it was found that all the camps were already abandoned and personal belongings removed."
Following yesterday's visit, Thames Reach, tweeted: "Very hard to see people living in these risky conditions, we continue to offer support to rough sleepers who lived here."
The eviction comes ten months after eastern European migrants were cleared from a makeshift campsite 500m away in a wooded area besides a canal path off Advent Way.
Police have said the camp will be demolished over the next couple of days.
The encampment was set up less than 500m from the first encampment cleared by TfL last year
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