Bristol vans removed after ‘evidence of drug dealing’

Action has been taken to remove vehicle dwellers from near a school after evidence of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour was found, a council says.

Bristol City Council (BCC) said the six vehicles were removed from Carlton Park in Redfield, while another 13 were removed from Tramways in Brislington due to issues around waste and abandoned vehicles.

There are an estimated 650 lived-in vehicles in Bristol, many of whom blame the high cost of housing.

The council said it was working on developing a policy to “make life better for vehicle dwellers and neighbouring communities”.

In an update shared on the council’s website – chair of the homes and housing delivery committee, Barry Parsons, said any policy should “proactively offer support to those who genuinely need it, be city-wide, consistent in application, and take a case-by-case approach to enforcement”.

The statement added engagement sessions had been held with vehicle dwellers, resident groups, and public and charity sector partners, which “highlighted the need for an inclusive, fair, compassionate, and proportionate policy”.

The council said it was working on temporary “meanwhile sites” across the city, where vehicle dwellers would be offered pitches where they would pay a small fee and have access to services like toilets and running water.

The sites would be on land scheduled to be developed and the council said it hoped to offer 250 pitches through this method.

Mr Parsons said the council had five sites open and two sites which were “progressing well”.

He added the council was “also continuing to look at the option of finding a permanent site for those who would like a more settled base”.

Tensions between residents and van dwellers near Durdham Down have been building for some time.

The council said it had obtained an injunction for the grassed areas of The Downs – meaning any new or existing encampment must leave after being instructed to do so.

The injunction does not apply to vehicles parked on the road.

The council said it would carry out welfare checks before moving encampments and would decide on enforcement action on a case-by-case basis.

Mr Parsons asked that “people on both sides of the debate show each other respect throughout this process, and refrain from using discriminatory language that could stoke up further tension”.