AN ILLEGAL park camp is being destroyed by the authorities – over a year after it was first reported to them.

Park cleaning volunteers Eileen Elton and Nina Parish have been imploring City of London Corporation, Redbridge, and Newham Council to take responsibility for the “disgusting” camp in Wanstead Park since October 2015.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The camp is located between the City of London Cemetery and Alders Brook near the Ilford Golf Course (Photo: Google)

But it was only after the Guardian reported their complaints last month that the authorities were forced to go to the Government’s Land Registry Office in the squabble to find out who owns it.

In a letter sent to Ms Elton yesterday (December 22), Superintendent for Epping Forest Paul Thomson exposed Redbridge as the party responsible.

He said: “The land in which the rough sleeper camp is located is in the ownership of the London Borough of Redbridge.

“Work is underway to see the London Borough of Redbridge lead the eviction of the rough sleeper and clearance of the camp and associated waste materials from the immediate surroundings in January 2017.”

Ms Elton says she is “thrilled” the camp is finally being cleared.

She said: “It’s fantastic news for the park, especially for dog walkers who feel quite scared and intimidated when they walk passed it.

“We are optimistic they will keep their promises.”

But the duo are still concerned for the welfare of the 66-year-old homeless man who lives in the camp.

She added: “If they’re going to evict him, I think he needs to go to hospital first.

“He’s blind in one eye and it looks very infected.

“Recently he’s told us he feels cold and he doesn’t seem to be in the same spirits as usual.

“He’s probably depressed – the whole thing is very sad really.”

The letter claimed a Redbridge homelessness officer has been to see the man, but it is unclear whether he understood what was happening due to his limited English.

Ms Elton is also hopeful moves will be taken to address the “drunks and prostitutes” she claim frequent the area on a regular basis.

She said: “We still find vodka bottles, beer cans, condoms and dirty wet wipes all over the place.

“It’s disgusting – they really need to sort that out too.”

Redbridge Council and CoCL have been contacted for comment.