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Pictured
WESTWAY TO LIVE

Traveller community who lives under one of the UK’s busiest roads revealed in moving photos showing them catching rabbits and playing games

Around 100 residents live at the unique site which is situated close to London's Westfield shopping centre

The Westway site lies underneath a network of roads and close to the major Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush

THESE moving photos show travellers catching rabbits and playing games as they talk about their unique life based under one of the UK's busiest roads.

Their small bungalows and caravans are legally situated just a stone's throw away from the massive Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush, London.

The Westway site lies underneath a network of roads and close to the major Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush
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The Westway site lies underneath a network of roads and close to the Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's BushCredit: Alex McBride
Westway children play on bikes at the site, which has welcomed travellers since the 19th century
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Westway children play on bikes at the site, which has been used by travellers since the 19th centuryCredit: Alex McBride
One of the children when discussing prejudice said that they 'know to fight, that's why nobody really says anything'
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When discussing prejudice, one child said that travellers 'know how to fight, that's why nobody really says anything'Credit: Alex McBride
Two rabbits lie dead in a cage after being caught on a hunting expedition by resident Pat O'Donnell and his dogs
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Two rabbits lie dead in a cage after being caught on a hunting expedition by resident Pat O'Donnell and his dogsCredit: Alex McBride

For more than 200 years, Westway in Stable Way has been home to travellers before it was designated as an official site in 1975.

Around 100 residents, all of whom are Irish travellers, live underneath the flyover which connects dual carriageways.

In a feature for magazine, photographer Alexander McBride Wilson spent time interviewing Westway residents.

Despite the far from ideal location of the site, he found a community which is close-knit and feeling safe in their unique environment.

His fascinating images show kids on bikes and playing in the streets with the motorway looming behind.

Others show two dead rabbits in a cage and a shrine to the Virgin Mary.

The family of Winnie Ward (more commonly known in the community as Missy), has lived on the site even since before it became official in 1975.
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The family of Winnie Ward (more commonly known in the community as Missy), has lived there since it became official in 1975Credit: Alex McBride
The Westway site took its name from the nearby motorway is occupied entirely by Irish travellers
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The Westway site which took its name from the nearby motorway is occupied entirely by Irish travellersCredit: Alex McBride
Jerry (13) sits in front of the site’s makeshift school building. He described how he felt 'much safer' on the site
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Jerry, 13, sits in front of the site’s makeshift school building. He described how he felt 'much safer' on the siteCredit: Alex McBride
One of the biggest concerns for residents is the effect of pollution from the nearby motorway
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One of the biggest concerns for residents is the effect of pollution from the nearby motorwayCredit: Alex McBride
Many of the residents spoke about a close-knit community, saying that 'everyone looks out for each other'
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Many of the residents spoke about a close-knit community, saying that 'everyone looks out for each other'Credit: Alex McBride

One woman is  pictured hosing down her driveway because of daily pollution from traffic, which causes significant concern among residents.

Grandfather and "head of the community" Pat O'Donnell, from Ireland, said he had a "little more freedom" after moving there 19 years ago.

He added: "In a house, I think a lot of travellers would feel claustrophobic – more like being in prison."

Another traveller Kathleen Maughan said: "When I first arrived, I thought, 'Jesus Christ what is this?' But I wouldn't leave it now."

Residents say "everyone looks out for each other" and explained the difficulties of living with non-travellers.

Pat O’Donnell, who has lived on Stable Way since 1998, has come to be the head of the community
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Pat O’Donnell, who has lived on Stable Way since 1998, has come to be the head of the communityCredit: Alex McBride

"Travellers don't even understand themselves, so how would you expect somebody else to understand," explained Winnie Ward, a resident since 1975.

Pat O'Donnell claimed that they have faced bottles and screws being thrown in from outside.

When discussing prejudice, one child said: "We know how to fight - that's why nobody really says anything."

Travellers descended on Cumbria in June for the biggest gypsy gathering in Europe, when more than 30,000 visitors attended the Appleby Horse Fair.

Photographer Alexander McBride Wilson is also on .

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