News / The Downs
Van dwellers ordered to leave the Downs
People living in vans and caravans on the Downs have been asked to “vacate” the site within 14 days by Bristol City Council.
Notices have been attached to some vehicles parked on Parry’s Lane stating failure to leave the area within two weeks could result in “legal proceedings”.
The council said were made aware of concerns from residents about excess waste, abandoned vehicles, human waste and fly-tipping, adding that the letter “is not an official eviction notice” but an offer to the dwellers for an opportunity to “open a dialogue” about the concerns raised.
is needed now More than ever
A piece of paper left next to the council notice by a van dweller says they have “nowhere to go”.
The notice (left) and the letter in response (right) – photo: Karen Johnson
Callum, who said he has been living on the Downs since January, told Bristol24/7 of his fears that the council were going to make people homeless.
The maths tutor said: “We’ve got to get out of here by Wednesday. I will go because I have wheels and an engine I can move.
“But a lot of people here are in caravans and they don’t have an alternative and can’t move.”
Callum blamed the cost of living crisis, housing shortage and rising rents in Bristol as the main reasons that people have moved into vans and caravans in the area.
Callum has lived in a van on the Downs for around six months
Another van dweller, who wished to remain unnamed, said she had not been asked to vacate the area.
The woman said she had moved into a van at the start of June because her landlord served her a section 21 notice that forced her to move out.
She said others who have been living on the Downs for a short time like her have not been told to leave.
Residents have complained about rubbish being left behind by van dwellers
Bristol24/7 spoke to three residents who said they did not mind the presence of the van dwellers but were upset by the litter that some were leaving behind.
Josie Taranowski, who lives close to the Downs, questioned where the van dwellers could go.
She said: “The biggest crisis facing our country is housing, particularly for younger people.
“Until governments and local authorities come up with something that’s going to help people like this get somewhere decent to live, where else are they going to go?”
Taranowski added she thought it was a “terrible indictment that members of society are forced to live like this”.
More than a dozen campervans and caravans are currently parked on the Downs
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “On June 12, the council’s neighbourhood enforcement team visited the encampment on Parry’s Lane and Saville Road to conduct a welfare check and assessment following complaints received from residents and councillors.
“During this visit, a letter was issued to occupants requesting they vacate the land in the next 14 days.
“This letter is an informal request and offers the vehicle dwellers the opportunity to open a dialogue about the concerns we have raised.
“The neighbourhood enforcement team remains in conversation with the occupants of the Parry’s Lane encampment and will revisit the area on June 26 to assess if further action, as a result of any vehicles remaining on site, is necessary.”
All photos: Karen Johnson
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