Crackdown on dozens of van-dwellers in wealthy UK suburb
There have been a growing number of caravans and vans arriving at Durdham Down (The Independent)
Bristol City Council plans to evict a large van-dwelling community from Durdham Down, a popular parkland area.
The decision follows the discovery of human waste on the Downs, which councillors deemed a "significant public health issue" and "completely unacceptable".
Local residents in surrounding wealthy suburbs had complained about the increasing number of lived-in vehicles, which exceeded 100 by August.
While some van-dwellers cite Bristol's housing crisis and rising rents as reasons for their lifestyle, the council stated it must act to prevent public health risks.
Outreach workers will assist residents in finding alternative accommodation, and Bristol City Council aims to increase dedicated pitches for van-dwellers from 67 to 250 by March next year.