Bristol caravan dwellers causing serious issues

[Fisherman]

Fear and loathing over van dwellers on Bristol's leafy streets https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cddevj0jj16o

 

[RichardHelen262]

IF they are leaving waste and human waste, then they are not doing themselves any favours, but then again campervans and motorhome owners are always getting the blame for any rubbish dumped, when we know that for most of the time the rubbish left behind has nothing to do with us,
And I feel this will be the same here,

 

[bartman]

It's true that we do all get tarred with the same brush, but their situation doesn't really compare with the night or two members of this forum might spend wilding in one place.
Looking at the number of them there it begs the question of where do they empty their cassettes.

 

[Drover]

Bit from the council

https://services.bristol.gov.uk/files/documents/3642-vehicle-dwellers-community-pact-april-2021/file

 

[Fisherman]

The issues here are more complex than what anyone overnighting presents. Many of those involved are homeless and cannot afford to pay the high rents and council tax. The council at least seem to be taking a pragmatic and reasonable approach to this issue. Sadly many find themselves unable to afford exorbitant rents, and resort to this kind of behaviour. But why congregate in such large numbers in a residential area. As others have stated sadly this will act as fuel for those who resent us.

 

[Drover]

The issues here are more complex than what anyone overnighting presents. Many of those involved are homeless and cannot afford to pay the high rents and council tax.

Whilst many are homeless due to high rents many choose this way of life and have just given up work and I guess live on benefits... others have fulltime jobs.
There is a varied mix of people in what has got termed van dwellers in Bristol.
They are in numerous places all over the bristol area.
They estimate 800 in total.
I don't trust the BBC .

 

[maingate]

Whilst many are homeless due to high rents many choose this way of life and have just given up work and I guess live on benefits... others have fulltime jobs.
There is a varied mix of people in what has got termed van dwellers in Bristol.
They are in numerous places all over the bristol area.
They estimate 800 in total.
I don't trust the BBC .

Welcome to the Club.

 

[trevskoda]

Why dont councils build prefab single units with loo kitchen and bedsite room on a concrete base all in unused land near a town or village, a cheap rental and if home damaged it can be removed aand a new unit set on the base, old one taken back and a refurb done.
Simple solutions are best but seldom done.
Caravans as a rule are not taxed or insured and should not by law be allowed parked on public roads, unless attached to a tow veh with 24 hr max stay.

 

[Fisherman]

Whilst many are homeless due to high rents many choose this way of life and have just given up work and I guess live on benefits... others have fulltime jobs.
There is a varied mix of people in what has got termed van dwellers in Bristol.
They are in numerous places all over the bristol area.
They estimate 800 in total.
I don't trust the BBC .

Hence why I used the word many and not ALL. Most importantly they have nothing to do with what we do, but we will no doubt be compared to them by others.

 

[groyne]

IF they are leaving waste and human waste, then they are not doing themselves any favours, but then again campervans and motorhome owners are always getting the blame for any rubbish dumped,

Auntie Beeb is also quick to point the finger at motorhomers in the Peak District.

"He's part of a group called Concerned for Castleton, which was set up a year ago to collate information and share it with local authorities.

Reported problems include roads being blocked by inconsiderate and illegal parking, vast amounts of litter, and people emptying their campervan toilets into bushes.

"I've come across human poo before," Ed says"

 

[mistericeman]

Auntie Beeb is also quick to point the finger at motorhomers in the Peak District.

"He's part of a group called Concerned for Castleton, which was set up a year ago to collate information and share it with local authorities.

Reported problems include roads being blocked by inconsiderate and illegal parking, vast amounts of litter, and people emptying their campervan toilets into bushes.

"I've come across human poo before," Ed says"

I've seen all of those issues from visitors to Castleton for many years before 'Vanlife' was even thought of ...

I'm afraid the way 'some' of those in Bristol have behaved HAS been getting people's backs up for some time though ....and it's understandable .
I 'get' the whole affordability of property issues and can see why some folks 'have' to live like that ...

BUT I firmly believe it IS possible to live in a van and not upset folks by your actions with a bit of care .

 

[mariesnowgoose]

It’s a human problem.

Wherever you get humans you’ll get problems

The situation in Bristol cannot be remotely compared to leisure/hobby use of campervans.

The meedja will do what the meedja have always been doing and people will continue to believe what they want to believe, prejudices et al.

We currently have some big social problems which, imo, fall into the category of “politics”. Talking about the Bristol van dwellers in here won’t solve their particular problems, or make them “change their ways” as some seem to think they should - apparently without knowing any of the individuals concerned or their personal circumstances, unless I’m mistaken?

Personally speaking, I don’t think the situation in Bristol has anything remotely to do with wildcamping.

Just sayin’

Right! Excuse me but I’m away off to Sligo this morning …

 

[n brown]

if you want to see a load of caravans look behind IKEA . think the council should at least give them a portaloo

 

[alcam]

Seem to remember reading about a community of van dwellers in Bristol where they were happily accepted by the council and the locals .
Is it the case here that this community has outgrown the area ?

 

[merl]

Is it the case here that this community has outgrown the area ?

Planet Earth in general Allen, not just Bristol

 

[Bigshug]

think the council should at least give them a portaloo

Near me there are two traveller caravans parked up on the old road, which is now bypassed, they are not annoying anyone, our council have provided two portaloos for them

 

[maingate]

Near me there are two traveller caravans parked up on the old road, which is now bypassed, they are not annoying anyone, our council have provided two portaloos for them

I have seen the same thing. In Scotland only though. It was by the Scotstown Road near Banff. Perhaps your Travellers are better behaved.

They were certainly very badly behaved when they recently took over a Country Park near Gateshead.

 

[Debroos]

I've seen all of those issues from visitors to Castleton for many years before 'Vanlife' was even thought of ...

I'm afraid the way 'some' of those in Bristol have behaved HAS been getting people's backs up for some time though ....and it's understandable .
I 'get' the whole affordability of property issues and can see why some folks 'have' to live like that ...

BUT I firmly believe it IS possible to live in a van and not upset folks by your actions with a bit of care .

I believe the majority of van dwellers there did live peacefully with their neighbours. Once again, since COVID the numbers camping there have risen hugely and now there are more irresponsible ones.
Having said that I couldn't see any rubbish floating about in that interview. I just feel sorry for the responsible ones that have been there for ages

 

[izwozral]

Why dont councils build prefab single units with loo kitchen and bedsite room on a concrete base all in unused land near a town or village, a cheap rental and if home damaged it can be removed aand a new unit set on the base, old one taken back and a refurb done.
Simple solutions are best but seldom done.
Caravans as a rule are not taxed or insured and should not by law be allowed parked on public roads, unless attached to a tow veh with 24 hr max stay.

Or better still, house them in hotels. Ah no, they are all full at the moment aren't they

 

[mariesnowgoose]

“There but for the grace of God?”

I’m not religious, but seems there’s always plenty of hypocrisy in that particular arena…