Vehicles removed from the Downs as the council asks the residents of the vans to leave

Derelict caravans on the Downs have been removed by Bristol City Council amid ongoing tensions between residents and van dwellers. Van dwellers on Parry’s Lane sparked complaints from local residents and the council instructed those living in the caravans to leave the site last month.

A Bristol City Council spokesman said: “Earlier this week our neighborhood enforcement team visited Parry’s Lane and identified two derelict caravans that were no longer secure. These abandoned caravans, which were full of rubbish, were removed on Tuesday 9 July.

“Officers will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with both vehicle occupants and local residents in line with our policy on unauthorized encampments.”

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On June 12, the local authority shared letters regarding several vehicles parked on Parry’s Lane, ordering van residents to vacate the site. The notice said: “Bristol City Council, although allowing the camp to date, does not give permission for the public road to be used in this way and I must therefore ask you to clear the highway.

“Failure to do so may result in legal action by Bristol City Council to remove you and your vehicle from the motorway. Any caravans or vehicles that appear to be abandoned will also be removed.” The letters were unofficial requests to those parked in the lane, but it appears Bristol City Council has stepped up measures to remove the vehicles.

Clifton Down and Durdham Down form a huge area of ​​conservation parkland in Bristol. It was recently revealed that a private security company could be brought in to prevent people breaking the area’s old regulations, including camping overnight on the side of the road.