Local councillors, business leaders and police are stepping up efforts to respond to a growing squatter presence in vacant commercial units on Putney High Street and surrounding streets — with calls for Wandsworth Council to use its powers to support enforcement and safeguard the town centre.
Following reports that multiple properties have been occupied — including the recently closed Simmons bar, Ramna restaurant and old Lost Society bar — Thamesfield councillor Ethan Brooks has written to the Council’s senior management team calling for a joined-up response, urging the Council to use its legal powers to investigate and act on noise complaints under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, regardless of the legal status of the occupants.
“This is a fast-moving situation,” Brooks said in his letter. “Residents are understandably concerned, and local businesses need reassurance that action is being taken. The Council does have statutory powers — and now is the time to use them.”
According to Brooks, the Council’s current position is that it is not in a position to intervene. That is untrue, the council has a range of powers it can decide to enact if it chooses to. The police are reportedly ready to assist with access to buildings, but that enforcement depends on building a clear evidence base. As such, local residents are encouraged to gather complaints and send them in.
The letter presses the council to acknowledge it has the necessary enforcement powers and asks what specific information or evidence residents would need to provide to trigger action.
BID mobilises landlords, advises security checks
Nicola Grant, Chief Executive of the Putney Business Improvement District (Positively Putney), confirmed she had written to the landlords of properties now under squatter occupation, alerting them to the situation and urging them to initiate the 28-day legal process required for eviction under Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
While some landlords have already responded, others described as ‘absent’ have yet to engage. “It’s not unusual with some of these landlords, but we’re following up,” she told Putney.news.
Grant also confirmed she had contacted Crown Properties, a major landlord on Putney Bridge Road, and the landlord of the recently closed Liliya Art Gallery to advise on preventative steps — including checking buildings, securing access points, and considering the use of live-in guardians to deter occupation.
“We’re actively working on this, and talking to other Business Improvement Districts in London to share approaches,” Grant told us. “This is clearly an organised group, and while we haven’t seen this before in Putney, we’re learning fast.”
Community urged to report and document
Both Grant and Brooks are encouraging residents and businesses to keep track of any disturbances, and to formally report any incidents of noise, waste or antisocial behaviour. Council action depends on the volume and clarity of complaints.
How to report squatter-related issues
- Wandsworth Council (for noise, ASB, waste): www.wandsworth.gov.uk/report
- Police (non-emergency): 101
- Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111
Next Steps
With residents, business leaders and councillors increasingly aligned, attention turns to how Wandsworth Council responds in the coming days. The issue is likely to be raised formally if a public response is not provided soon.
