News / Clifton Downs
Protect the Downs group launch fundraiser
A fundraiser has been launched by the Protect the Downs group, a community group founded in response to the rise of van dwellers living on Clifton Downs.
The fundraiser was quietly set up earlier this year and has raised over £7,000 but, on Tuesday, the group officially announced their fundraising campaign.
They say they are raising money to help fund legal advice and potential action, hold decision-makers to account, environmental investigations (e.g. water/soil testing), campaign material and marketing and admin fees.
is needed now More than ever
However, the group say that if they do not reach their target of £12,000, they will instead “prioritise the most urgent actions” like legal letters and expert reports.
The fundraiser was created following the ongoing controversy surrounding van dwellers living on Clifton Downs, with growing concerns intensifying from residents in recent months.
Tony Nelson, chair of the Protect the Downs group, took to Facebook on Tuesday to also explain that all donations received thus far have meant the group can “instruct a barrister to help us identify where Bristol City Council is failing in their duty of care”.
Over 300 people, including people living in vans, joined together on June 12 on the Downs for a walk to show support for safer, cleaner Downs.
Bristol City Council have said they are choosing not to move van dwellers but will be offering them council-provided pitches on temporary “meanwhile sites” which will offer basic amenities like water and waste disposal for a fee.
Main photo: Rob Browne
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