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!
Are these being used by the homeless street people who would normally be found in shop doorways, or are they simply those seeking an "alternative " lifestyle?
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure. A couple of them told my wife that they have jobs, so I suppose they are simply saving money.
DeleteI suppose they're just left to live quietly if they dont make a disturbance. It's a hard life for them. Can't imagine how they hold down a job.
ReplyDeleteThey don't worry me. I'm just grateful that I don't have to live like that.
DeleteWe had a guy park a small van in our road, he slept in it every night, he was quiet, clean and cause no problems, some of the neighbour picked on him until he moved elsewhere. We refused to join in with neighbours, when someone has to sleep in their van life is hard enough.
ReplyDeleteSome I've seen leave litter everywhere, but this lot are very tidy. They've removed their eviction notices, but they're still there this morning.
DeleteThose unfortunate people need to live somewhere and rather than criminalising them, I prefer your idea of a designated camping space. Such a facility would demonstrate civility and kindness rather than rejection and hostility.
ReplyDeleteI agree. There is a similar project not far from where we live in France. The woodland area is filled with teepees, cabins, shacks, and all sorts in between. They look after the area well, and grow a lot of their own food.
DeleteLike many places in the developed world, we need affordable housing. And for some we need supported housing with physical and mental healthcare to help people live a more dignified life. We think, I wouldn't want your dog to live like that, these are our neighbors, they could be our grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteThere's a huge centre quite nearby, but I think these 'campers' would rather be anywhere but living amongst its residents.
DeleteIt is hard to know the circumstances of these campers. Regardless of circumstances, nobody should live in a tent where there are no facilities for cooking, bathing and general hygiene.
ReplyDeleteThey don't HAVE to live there, it's a question of choice. I wouldn't do it; a few days in a tent is enough for me.
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