Apology for state of Wandsworth Common Post Reply

[Annabel (admin)]

[Btc_mum]

Absolutely ridiculous statement from the council to blame the circus.

It’s the wettest spring on record, the common has been a boggy mess since about October and even bikes have been churning up grass.

Anyone with half a brain would know the circus wouldn’t be able to set up and host their event without some damage to the grass.
The council could/should have either cancelled their event if they were worried about the ground being churned up more.

They can’t act surprised that there is now mud there, and blame Zippos when it’s entirely the councils fault for not having a small amount of foresight.

As an aside, it’s not actually that bad and this feels more like pre-empting the NIMBYs from complaining rather than actually be upset about it

[delsh]

Totally agree @btc_mum. A total overreaction. The common is the responsibility of the council, they knew full well how muddy it was the day Zippos planned to arrive and it was up to them not the circus to protect the condition of the common.

We went to Zippos yesterday and had a brilliant time. It would be a great shame if they couldn’t return to Wandsworth.

[iowfan]

It's a tricky one - the circus did arrive just after torrential rain BUT, as I saw when I walked past during their set-up, they also immediately made a pretty excessive number of tyre tracks by driving huge heavy lorries round many times, as per the photo, some of which looked to me to have been quite unnecessary (not that I'm a circus set-up expert!).  I did think at the time of the groundkeepers who work so hard to look after our beautiful common and even my children commented on how sad it was to see the beautiful Spring green grass trashed like that. I'm afraid I'm with the council on this one - their statement may have been a bit OTT but I don't think the circus took enough care when driving and setting up on the common, given the conditions.

[this_is_cat]

Unless IOWfan is suggested the lorries were joyriding around the common, I’m not sure how they can be accused of an ‘excessive’ amount of driving.

We also attending the circus over the weekend and it’s a brilliant, and professional set up.

But it can’t be achieved without hauling a LOT of kit onto their site, presumably all needed heavy trucks to pull it on, plus caravans etc for the performers.

I totally agree that the council knew what they were agreeing to when they accepted money from the circus - lots and lots of trucks driving onto the common.

It is TOTALLY the councils fault this has happened. They should have postponed the circus after the heavy rain if they didn’t want the risk of mud.

They look stupid trying to place the blame on the circus operators who I’m sure didn’t deliberately make the mud for the fun of it.

But I can’t also help but think it’s a huge overreaction

So what if there is a bit of mud. Reseed it and we are good to go in a few weeks. Thousands of local families get to enjoy the circus, it’s really not the end of the world.

[BanZippos ChangeProcess]

A more balanced and fully researched response is needed for this issue. I spoke directly with Enable and have received responses directly from them and the council.

This is certainly not a case of NIMBY; and it’s quite disappointing to read such a flippant and irresponsible statement. The people who have actively engaged with the council and Enable are those who are looking after everyone’s best interests and enjoyment of the common.

1) Zippos is fully responsible for the damage they caused. The council was not driving vehicles; Zippos was. Zippos fully knew the damage they were causing and were motivated by greed and blatant disregard.

2) Enable/ Council have responsibilities in other categories and must be held accountable for their contract administration process.

It is worth noting-

Zippos has a history of causing extensive site damage and anti social behaviour (Lambeth Streatham Common April 2023; Merton Wimbledon Park May 2024). Feel free to google details/ articles.

According to Enable; Zippos did not abide by their contract T & Cs for protective ground cover given the volume of rain that fell 48hrs prior to arrival.

Residents have researched the legal requirements for hosting commercial events on common spaces. Commons have legal requirements different from ‘park’ spaces. It has been established that Enable/ council did not meet these.

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that NO application under Article 12 of the Greater London Parks and Open Spaces Order (1967) was received. As common land is treated differently to parks, and permission must be sought from the Planning Inspectorate acting for DEFRA.

Borough residents need to ensure our council/ Enable rectify gaps in their contracts process- ensuring:
*relevant and timely planning is obtained
*thorough and proper vendor vetting/ background checks
*weather mitigation/cancellation clauses

[this_is_cat]

^^^^ NIMBY in action!

Honestly, those bores and their soap boxes about commons vs parks. Yawn
The Clapham Common lot are just as bad.

It’s a bit of grass, it will recover. It’s nothing to get so worked up about

[Knowledge]

Sad that you speak from neither an educated or engaged perspective.

Restoration of the common grass is neither quick nor cheap.

It’s not as simple as sprinkling a bit of grass seed.
It cannot be fixed in a few weeks.

The top soil has been heavily compacted by the vehicles. Deep ruts have been made.

If someone has time to write nonsensical posts with unfounded and sweeping generalisations; there is certainly time to research and educate oneself about

*landscape and environmental responsibility
*environmental restoration
*legal framework
*community engagement

You are welcome for enjoying the hard work of community members who look after these issues.

[Needcoffeenow]

Against a background where councils are going bust, I’d be reassured that Wandsworth are taking this seriously, ensuring their contract with the circus is enforced and that they aren’t left picking up what is likely to be a very substantial bill. this_is_cat: be careful what you wish for.

[LetsGoGirls]

From a post above: According to Enable; Zippos did not abide by their contract T & Cs for protective ground cover given the volume of rain that fell 48hrs prior to arrival.

To the ones accusing of NIMBY or blaming the council, does it not change your opinion somehow?