Boaters living in a tranquil London “oasis” have been left feeling unsafe as a huge homeless camp has formed near their moorings.
The residents on Regent’s Canal have expressed growing unease, with female residents in particular reporting heightened anxiety about their safety in the area.
The Lisson Grove Mooring, situated within walking distance of Little Venice, has long been home to a thriving group of full-time canal dwellers who share resources and maintain strong neighbourly bonds.
Yet over the past half year, a sizeable tent settlement has established itself at the moorage’s edge, close to Regent’s Park, leaving those living nearby feeling increasingly vulnerable.
Natasha, 34, who has spent a decade living on boats, explained homeless individuals have historically been part of the local landscape and familiar to the community.
However, she described the recent encampment as distinctly “different” from what came before, creating a sense of intimidation among locals.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I really worry about it – I don’t go that way anymore, even before there was anyone there, but now even in the daytime it’s unsafe.”
Sanitation has become a pressing concern, with residents troubled by people using the area as a toilet, particularly since young children also call the canal home.
Boaters living in a tranquil London ‘oasis’ have been left feeling unsafe as a huge homeless camp has formed near their moorings
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Davina, 78, and her husband, Josh, 77, spend several months each year aboard their vessel to stay close to their daughter and grandchildren, who also reside on the waterway.
She said: “Some of the women don’t feel safe. A lot of the women on their own feel concerned at night.”
The community has grown frustrated with what they perceive as an inadequate response from the Canal and River Trust, which oversees the waterway.
Peter Jewitt, 39, a waterbus worker with more than two decades of experience on London’s canals, has witnessed a significant transformation along the waterways.
The residents on Regent’s Canal have expressed growing unease
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He said: “It’s changed in the last 10 years – it’s to do with the cost of living.”
Mr Jewitt added: “All the bins were removed, and people are expected to take their rubbish home, but that’s not going to happen, and it ends up in the water,” he said.
Westminster remains among the UK’s most affected areas for rough sleeping, with over 800 individuals recorded sleeping on the borough’s streets between October and December last year.
David Harvey, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Considering the risks associated with this location, we are working closely with the police and the Canal & River Trust to keep people safe. We are urging the trust to take immediate action to secure the land and prevent further occupation.”
Female residents report heightened anxiety about their safety in the area
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He added: “All individuals in the area are known to us, and our teams are in regular contact, offering support. Rough sleepers often have complex needs and the council will always work with them where we can.”
A Canal and River Trust spokesman said: “We understand how upsetting antisocial behaviour on our network is for our customers and how frustrating the formal processes for dealing with it can be. While action on this issue may appear slow, we would reassure customers and members of the public that those formal processes are well underway.
“Our outreach team tried without success to engage with the group, and we have worked alongside police and the [City of] Westminster to expedite a solution using their enforcement powers. We now have no option but to go down a legal route which is both costly and time-consuming for our charity.
“A legal notice was served on those occupying the site on May 22, giving them 14 days to leave. If this notice is not complied with, then we will not hesitate to obtain a possession order through the courts.”