News / Vehicle dwellers
Vehicle dwellers move into Stoke Park
Vehicle dwellers have moved into Stoke Park.
According to locals, the group of four vehicle moved into a green space off of Heathhouse Lane on Saturday, removing a concrete barrier supposed to prevent anyone gaining access.
Surrounding the vehicle are metal fences and piles of rubbish including tyres, almost a dozen full black bags, mattresses and industrial waste such as wallpaper and flooring.
Heathcote Lane seems to regularly be the target of flytipping.
Several residents took to a local facebook group with one member calling it “shocking,” while others encouraged the incident to be reported to Bristol City Council.
A local resident said: “I understand there are many people that can’t afford homes but it is frustrating when tax payers see damage and anti social behaviour happening in their neighbourhood and the amount of rubbish left around.
“We put up with regular fly tipping but this is another level and have communicated with the council who have promised to provide sites for van dwellers but it still continues.”
Industrial waste sinks into the grassland.
Councillor Bary Parsons, chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “We are aware of a new encampment on Stoke Park. We visited the site earlier this week, but were not able to carry out welfare checks as no one was present.
“We have begun the legal process to remove the vehicles, and we will visit the site again to attempt to provide the appropriate welfare checks.
“The large amount of rubbish that has been fly tipped will be cleared by park staff as soon as the group have moved on. We will also be looking at new options to secure the land to prevent reoccupation.
“As the number of lived in vehicles in Bristol has grown significantly in recent years the council recognises that the current situation across the city is not sustainable and is taking a proactive stance on addressing issues.”
All photos: Bristol24/7
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