Travellers who pitched up on Tooting Common have abandoned their camp after being threated with legal action.

The group, who appeared on Wednesday near Bedford Road, were immeditaely served with a warning by officers from Wandsworth Council..

The common has visits from travellers each year however camping overnight on the common, without council permission, is a criminal offence.

Environment spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: “I am delighted that the swift and firm action we took to protect the common has paid off and that these travellers have been quickly sent on their way.

“We placed officers from our parks police team on the common overnight to make sure that no other vehicles joined this unlawful camp. As a result of this firm action these travellers have been moved on very quickly, ensuring the common did not suffer any long lasting damage.”

Residents who see travellers on council-owned land should call 0208871 6900. 

The council provides an approved travellers site in Trewint Street, Earlsfield.