Camping

We've been used to seeing migrant camps in France for decades. They pitch their tents anywhere where there's a bit of grass. Roundabouts on the Paris Peripherique have always been a popular choice.

However, when we returned from France last September, we were quite surprised to see several tents pitched in 'The Rest Garden' where we walk with Billy every day. They are still there. There are five in the park itself and another two nearby. These are NOT migrants, just 'campers'.

Camping in 'The Rest Garden', as you might imagine, is strictly forbidden, but no-one seems to care. 

Personally I have no gripe with them, as long as they don't leave litter everywhere. Other dog-walkers are not so happy, and complain about the combined smell of urine, faeces, and marijuana that emanates from that corner of the park.

One of the campers has a dog that Billy is friendly with; I think Billy sympathises with the conditions in which the poor thing is forced to live.

Every day I'm surprised to see them still there. One would have thought that they would have been 'moved-on' by now. At present there are just seven tents in all, and I wonder how many it would take to make someone do something about them.

I have often thought that the council should buy a few acres of woodland, somewhere out of town, and let these people live there; and even build their own eco-shacks. As long as they didn't leave litter everywhere, they would do no harm.

For the moment the council's attitude is difficult to understand. However, I have just seen some eviction notices attached to each tent. Will they take any notice? It remains to be seen!