Chaos in city named Britain’s ‘van-dwelling’ capital where 700 people live in caravans.uk
Tensions are rising amid locals in Bristol as its controversial van-dwelling community continues to grow, with a recent arson incident further fueling the fire.
Bristol’s controversial van-dwelling community now stands at around 700 (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
Bristol, known as the UK’s ‘van-dweller’ capital, is home to an estimated 700 people living in vehicles.
The council believes that around 680 of these vehicles are inhabited throughout the city, with 60 stationed at Clifton Downs.
Bristol’s controversial van-dwelling community now stands at around 700 (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
Bristol City Council has deemed the current situation untenable and pledged to host public engagement events to aid both the van-dwelling community and local residents.
A meeting held by the Sneyd Park Residents Association at St Alban’s Church was well-attended, with calls for a policy to relocate the vehicles elsewhere.
Bristol’s controversial van-dwelling community now stands at around 700 (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
One van-dweller shared how moving into a £3,000 van enabled him to pay off his debts and enjoy the freedom to live wherever he chose.
“Renting is just so expensive. If you want to move forward – if you want to save to buy a house or to go on holiday – you can’t. You end up with nothing every month and that is no way to live,” said the van-dweller.
Bristol’s controversial van-dwelling community now stands at around 700 (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
“Living in a van I have taken control. I cleared my debts. I own my van outright. I didn’t buy it on credit – it’s mine.
“It’s really old and rusting away but it’s my home, my freedom and my security. No one is going to kick me out.”
The presence of vans, caravans, and motorhomes on the Downs has seen a noticeable uptick in recent years, sparking worries among residents about escalating waste issues.
The presence of vans, caravans, and motorhomes on the Downs has seen a noticeable uptick in recent years, sparking worries among residents about escalating waste issues. (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
Councillor Barry Parsons, who oversees housing at Bristol City Council, described the situation to the BBC as “complex” and unsustainable.
“We know we need to reduce the need for so many people to live in vehicles, and remain committed to increasing the number of well-built, affordable homes in Bristol so that people have a safe and secure place they can call home,” he conveyed to the BBC.
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