Van-dwelling site cleared after 10 years

Van dwellers on New Stadium Road were told to move on Friday

A number of vans being lived in near a motorway have been removed from a road where various vehicles have been parked up for more than 10 years.

Vans were towed away from New Stadium Road, near Eastville Retail Park, on trucks over the weekend - after van dwellers were given notice to move earlier in July.

Bristol City Council said it planned to repaint the existing yellow lines by the road and install planters to try to stop the encampment returning to the site, which is close to the M32.

There are an estimated 650 lived-in vehicles in Bristol, with many occupants blaming high housing costs.

"As the number of lived-in vehicles in Bristol has grown significantly in recent years the council recognises that the current situation across the city is not sustainable and is taking a proactive stance on addressing issues," Bristol City Council said.

The council says it is working with Bristol Waste to remove rubbish around the site

Councillor Barry Parsons, chair of the homes and housing delivery committee explained there had been an encampment "of some kind" on New Stadium Road for more than 10 years, "but the groups living there have changed several times".

"The most recent group to occupy the site has been causing a number of anti-social behaviour issues, with evidence of criminality," he said.

The council said it was working with Bristol Waste to remove large amounts of rubbish and fly-tipped materials around the site.

Mr Parsons added: "Individuals have been signposted to support services.

"When our contractors visited the site last week they were threatened and had a bottle thrown at their truck. Most of the vehicles have now left the site."

The action by Bristol City Council comes after van dwellers in other parts of the city were removed after the local authority said evidence of drug dealing was found.

A consultation looking into plans for van dwellers will be launched by the council in September.

Avon and Somerset Police said the council operation in New Stadium Road was carried out in consultation with the force.