Zippos Circus has been banned from returning to Wandsworth after “completely unacceptable” damage to the common

A circus “will not be returning” to green spaces in south-west London after the “completely unacceptable” damage it caused to Wandsworth Common.

Wandsworth Council has slammed the Zippos Circus after large sections of grass were torn up in the park and tire tracks appeared near where a counter had been set up.

In a statement, Wandsworth Council said it has reduced the amount of time it can run on the site and the circus will be charged for the cost of repairs.

A post on X said: “Zippos Circus will not be returning to any Wandsworth green spaces in the future and they are being charged the cost of renewing and repairing these grassy areas. In addition, their permitted length of stay together has been reduced.

“In light of what happened this week, we will be looking at what activities will be allowed on green spaces in the future and also how vehicular access to the grass is managed by contractors.

“We will do everything we can to make sure this never happens again in any Wandsworth park, common or green space.”

The damage has sparked protests from Londoners, with one taking to social media to complain that the community “could take months to recover”.

Another resident took aim at the circus on X, claiming it “slaughtered the common with your trucks”.

Another neighbor added: “You have ruined our beautiful Common. The village children’s sport was canceled yesterday due to the wet weather, but you drove HGV trucks everywhere.”

Last year, Zippos Circus were also banned from performing at Streatham Common by Lambeth Council due to the “extensive damage” they caused when setting up.

At the time, a spokesman for Lambeth Council said: “Rather than stopping and seeking guidance from the council on the best approach in the circumstances, the operators continued with their setup work.

“This has contributed to significant damage to important and much-loved green space.”

Zippos Circus has been contacted for comment.