Zippos Circus banned by Lambeth after damage to common could ‘take years to fully recover’
A circus has been blasted by a council and residents for damaging a common which could “take years to fully recover”.
Zippos Circus, which holds events in parks all over the capital, had a six day show scheduled in Streatham Common to begin on Wednesday.
But they have been accused of churning up the ground of the common before the show had even started, in the process of setting the circus up. The event has since been cancelled.
Lambeth council says it has also banned Zippos Circus from performing at Streatham Common and revoked its permit.
A statement from the council said: “The council has acted swiftly to prevent further damage to the site after local people raised concerns and the operator, Zippos Circus, has been notified with immediate effect.
“This action was taken after it was found that appropriate ground protection was not used to move equipment on the site, despite being needed due to the poor weather conditions.
“Instead of stopping and seeking guidance from the council on the best approach in the circumstances the operators continued their set-up work. This contributed to the significant damaged caused to the important and much loved green space.
“The terms and conditions for events at Lambeth parks make clear that event organisers are responsible for taking the necessary measures to prevent the grass in our public spaces from being seriously damaged. Zippos have breached a number of requirements in this respect.
“The operator’s permit has now been revoked, in line with terms and conditions, and plans to remove the vehicles from the site in a way that will minimise further damage are underway. We will work to ensure other schedule community events on Streatham Common are able to proceed as planned.”
Community group Friends of Streatham Common said in a Twitter post: “Unfortunately a recent event has caused some of the worst and most extensive damage to #Streatham common we have ever seen.
“Totally avoidable if proper procedures had been followed. Damage like this can take years to fully recover. We support family events, but care is needed.”
(Stock photo).
We have arrived at Streatham Common and there has been some damage to the ground because of the recent wet weather. We will pay for this to be sorted when we leave. We always do in these situations.
But we now need local support.
Continued… pic.twitter.com/WRPZLBWqIj— Zippos Circus (@ZipposCircus) April 25, 2023
Zippos Circus Twitter account replied to Friends of Streatham Common saying: “To be clear Zippos Circus will pay for the reinstatement of Streatham Common.
“Further it is regrettable this damage occurred but it will not take years for the common to recover.
“A few more dry days, a day or two with Zippos power harrow and some grass seed.”
The circus confirmed its show at Wimbledon Park from May 3-8 will still go ahead.
Zippos Circus has been contacted for further comment.
Pictured top: Streatham Common after the Zippos Circus set up (Picture: Friends of Streatham Common/Lambeth council)