News / protest
More than 300 march on Downs for ‘Show of Support’
On Thursday evening more than 300 people gathered on the Downs for a ‘Show of Support’ walk.
The over 40s crowd was made up of local residents with dogs in tow, visitors to the Downs and members of the Facebook group Protect the Downs.
All attendees seemed to be in good spirits after the day’s showers had cleared.
is needed now More than ever
A dozen police officers stood back to ensure the walk went smoothly and safely.
Many were determined to be there come rain or shine.
The walk was to highlight what they say is the need to protect the space in light of a heavy increase in the number of vehicle dwellers, which is estimated to be more than 600.
The group of people gathered opposite the Downs Water Tower before listening to a speech from founder of the Protect the Downs group, Tony Nelson.
He blasted Bristol City Council saying: “What we want as Protect the Downs is for the council to pull their finger out, pull their head out of wherever it’s stuck, and starting engaging and housing the vans would be a great start.”
He went on to encourage people to have a chat and “listen to each other’s perspective.”
Adding that “only when we understand each other’s views will we find a solution.”
Walkers making their way home after the demonstration
The demonstration remained peaceful and avoided where vehicle dwellers were parked. The walk lasted no more than an hour before people started to peel off to their homes overlooking the Downs and beyond.
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Councillor Barry Parsons, chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, provided an update on how the council are responding to the vehicle dweller situation in the city.
He said: “The number of people living in vehicles and caravans in Bristol has grown significantly in recent years and we recognise the challenges this growth in the size and number of encampments raises for our city.
“We have to acknowledge it’s a complex situation, and one I and others have spoken about on many occasions in the past twelve months.
“Broadly speaking our actions fall into two categories – those which are aimed at supporting those living in vehicles to remain healthy and safe and have the support needed to move into more settled accommodation, and those which are aimed at managing the size and impact of encampments.
“One area of focus is how we manage the green space of The Downs and ensure it’s a safe and welcoming place for people to use.
“To achieve this we’re taking proactive steps to apply for an injunction for the grassed areas of The Downs and Ladies Mile, which if secured, will allow officers to move vehicles that pitch up more quickly than usual.”
All photos: Rob Browne
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