News / Van Dwellers
Van dwellers to be told to leave following ‘completely unacceptable’ behaviour
Van dwellers living along one road in east Bristol have been accused of “completely unacceptable” behaviour as the council gets ready to evict them using legal powers.
Around 30 caravans – one of which remains a burnt-out shell following a recent arson attack – are currently parked along Goodneston Road in Fishponds.
The road has now been declared as a “high impact site”, with van dwellers due to be given seven days’ notice to leave following the serving of legal papers on January 19.
Labour councillors Ellie King and Kelvin Blake said there have been fires, drug dealing and criminal damage at the encampment between Filwood Road and Lodge Causeway.
“We have long been clear this situation is unacceptable for everyone involved,” said King and Blake.
“Residents shouldn’t have to deal with excrement and fly-tipping on our streets, nor should van dwellers be expected to live without basic sanitation facilities.”
In a letter, the two Hillfields councillors wrote: “We have been working continually on this issue for months to get action from the council and the administration.
“We have been campaigning hard for this to be designated a ‘high impact’ site which would mean enforcement action can take place and the caravans can then be moved.
“The encampment has seen fires, criminal damage, crime, anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, drug dealing and human waste – completely unacceptable, especially so near a school where children are expected to travel past every day.
“Finally, after much resistance, we are pleased to say the council has now done a thorough assessment of the site and agrees this has ‘a serious impact on the local community, environment and overall location’.
“This means that the site will now be designated ‘high impact’ and enforcement action will begin week commencing 19th January when the van dwellers will be given 7 days notice to leave before eviction.
“It will be a few more weeks until the situation is fully resolved but thank you for your communication on this and I hope the area will feel cleaner, safer and more accessible soon.”
Around 30 caravans are currently parked along both sides of Goodneston Road – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
