Boaters living in what they describe as an "oasis" on Regent's Canal say they feel "unsafe" due to a large homeless camp that has formed at the end of their moorings near Little Venice in Westminster. Over the past six months, the encampment has grown significantly, leaving residents—especially women—feeling intimidated and altering the serene atmosphere of the community.
Community Concerns
Natasha, 34, who has lived on boats for 10 years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that while homeless individuals have always been part of the area, the recent encampment feels "different." She said, "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." Residents are particularly concerned about sanitation issues, with reports of people using the area as a toilet, which poses risks for families with young children living along the canal.
During a visit, the LDRS observed a large cluster of tents surrounded by rubbish and discarded toilet paper, indicating long-term occupation. Natasha linked the problem to the closure of a communal area at the end of the mooring due to safety concerns, stating, "It makes the area look like it's dead. Now the whole area looks abandoned." Despite these issues, she still cherishes her home, calling it "an oasis right in the middle of London."
Voices from the Community
Davina, 78, who spends several months each year on her boat with her husband Josh, 77, to be near family, echoed the concerns. She noted that women in the community feel unsafe at night and criticized the Canal and River Trust for being unresponsive. "Some of the women don't feel safe. A lot of the women on their own feel concerned at night," she said.
Peter Jewitt, 39, a waterbus worker with over 20 years of experience on the canals, attributed the changes to the cost-of-living crisis. He also highlighted increased pollution, noting, "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."
Official Response
Westminster City Council reported that over 800 people were seen sleeping rough in the borough between October and December last year, one of the highest homeless populations in the UK. Councillor David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, stated, "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." He added that all individuals in the encampment are known to the council, which is offering support.
A Canal & River Trust spokesperson said, "We understand how upsetting antisocial behaviour on our network is for our customers... Our outreach team tried without success to engage with the group, and we have worked alongside police and Westminster to expedite a solution." A legal notice was served on May 22, giving occupants 14 days to leave. If not complied with, the trust will seek a possession order through the courts.
