Bristol Live readers have shared mixed reaction to the planters have been placed near a park in Bristol to deter van and campervan dwellers from parking there. Those who had been parked on streets close to St George Park for several years were served an eviction notice by Bristol City Council in September, following a rise in anti-social behaviour complaints to the police from local residents.
While most vacated within 28 days of receiving the initial council notice, a court order was used to evict several residents living in vehicles along Park Crescent and Lake View Road. Further enforcement action is planned against two vehicles that still remain on the road.
The planters have now been positioned along the roads near the park, to prevent the van dwellers from returning. St George West Councillor Rob Bryher explained in a Facebook post that the planters were a ‘compromise’.
He stated they provided enough space between them to allow for the parking of smaller vehicles on the street, but blocked larger vans, which some argued made the road unsafe.
The recent placement of planters near a Bristol park to stop van dwellers from parking has stirred up a range of feelings among locals. St George West Councillor Rob Bryher emphasised the importance of finding middle ground, saying, “My job is to represent everyone who lives in St George West (housed or van-dwelling) and to mediate between groups who may be in conflict to find workable solutions.”
The council’s move has drawn diverse reactions from residents, with one reader, Bristollivecommenter, who says: “St George West Cllr Rob Bryher said: “My job is to represent everyone who lives in St George West (housed or van-dwelling). Because van dwellers pay council tax, to cover maintenance of the road and their waste disposal and pay for water they use and sewage they create through their bills. Or perhaps not?”
Junius1 adds: “One for the new very highly paid executive officer for housing and homelessness to solve – a taster to see if he or she is worth their salt.”
Mrgreedy says: “I thought Bristol was meant to be free and Bohemian?”
Antigov writes: “Can we have these in all streets only a little closer together to stop cars from parking on pavements?”
Nonickname! comments: “There are too many vans/caravans around The Downs now, very intimidating to walk there now, particularly late afternoon when dark.”
Vanmanmike says: “I have slept there many times and never seen any van dwellers behaving in an intimidating manor. Majority are respectful individuals, as are most passing pedestrians. I’m sure it happens given many might be struggling with untreated mental health issues or just aren’t nice people but I honestly have not seen evidence of intimidation by majority of people there.
“I take a hot shower once per day in my van and wash my clothes at the laundrette weekly. My van is taxed, insured, and has a valid MOT and is parked legally. I have not avoided paying any tax due.”
Boymum mentions: “Amazing work from the residents. So sad that they were ignored for so long by the council, four years I think. There were assaults perpetrated by van dwellers on their doorsteps.”
Abacass writes: “They ignored the residences but had to concede that making our city a place of sanctuary brought non taxpayers in from other cities. The mess they leave behind, including human stuff is wrong.”
6470 says: “Well done the people who live around the park. Months ago there was a meeting held about 70 people turned up there were council, police, local councillors,they said nothing could be done, one resident got a letter from the MP saying it was low impact but the residents kept on to the council and finally got things done.
“There are still two caravans and a few vans that need to be moved on so the problem is not over yet. So well done the residents around the park. The council does not build council houses or any type of accommodation for any person homeless, If the caravan dwellers got together and rented a house this might also help the problem.”
Gazzer19 thinks: “This won’t stop them they just move them out the way better off with big concrete boulders as other places have them and works better then planters.”
Do you like the planters and what they are trying to achieve? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.