Locals form group over Bristol Downs van dwellers

Residents living around a popular Bristol green space have formed a community group calling for more action against what they claim is growing dangerous and anti-social behaviour by van dwellers.

The latest count from Bristol City Council suggests roughly 60 people are living in vehicles around the Downs.

In March hundreds of people attended a public meeting at St Alban's Church in Redland, calling for more council action to move them.

Many of the van dwellers have told the BBC they were forced into the lifestyle by unaffordable rents and say they need more support.

In a press release shared with the BBC, the new Protect the Downs group says it aims to "hold Bristol City Council accountable for enforcing laws, restrictions and bylaws", which ensure the Downs is preserved for "legitimate public use".

The group says that among other things, it has concerns around "irresponsible driving and obstructive parking" by van dwellers causing a danger to pedestrians, health and safety risks caused by "overcrowded, unsanitary and dangerous conditions" and environmental harm caused by litter and human waste.

"We've come together because we love the Downs, but this wonderful green space relied on by residents across Bristol is being misused and that's putting people in real danger," chair Tony Nelson said.

"Children, the elderly, council workers and even emergency responders are at risk, and the environmental damage is heartbreaking."

Flora Sidebottom is a van-dweller who lives by the Downs and said she has been evicted nine times in the last year.

She told the BBC it causes trauma every time.

"If you're already having to source your wood and water, suddenly you're having to think about where you're going to go next, and you're also trying to attend work and your relationships are under strain with the people around you," she said.

"It feels like it's coming in from all angles."

Bristol City Council says it is looking to find a permanent site for van dwellers.

"It's an example I think of the way that we're really sort of pioneering in this area," councillor Barry Parsons said.

"We're looking to find long-term solutions for an issue that's a challenge all across the country."

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