Bashley road Gypsy travel site

Bashley Road travellers site is a permanent Gypsy and Travellers Site run by Ealing Council within the Old Oak and Park Royal Development area.  It was  established in the 1980s and  consists of 24 pitches each occupied by a family. Currently the population is in excess of 100 persons , including 40 children and young persons including  third generation families living on the site. The travellers site has no existing recreational facilities and children are reluctant  to use facilities off site due to fear of being bullied.

Running along the eastern boundary is a  freight railway line and the Old Oak HS2 construction site. The western and southern boundaries are  bounded by industrial sites and land under development for light industrial buildings. Children and adults who live on the site suffer disproportionately from physical and mental illnesses including anxiety. Suicide amongst the Traveller community as a whole is  above the national average particularly for men. 

The community is isolated and often feel misunderstood by the wider community. There is a lack of development opportunities for young people. Often they gather in  groups on the site with no opportunities for constructive activities. 

There are  a number of young persons  aged 8 to 14 living on the site who have expressed a desire to undertake boxing classes. It instils mental and physical fitness, builds self esteem and gives them a structure to divert them away from less positive activities. MEM Academy weekly boxing classes commenced in July 2020 and has proven both popular and beneficial.  

 The site does not have a covered area  but training can take place outside the council site managers office. It is safe location dependent on weather conditions and there are no dangerous structures or traffic 

It is hoped that these weekly one hour long boxing sessions can continue as it assists the mental and physical development of young persons on the site. 

Patrick Beynon

Gypsy and Travellers Liaison Officer

Manager Bashley Road Travellers Site