Crackdown on dozens of van-dwellers in wealthy UK suburb | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlex RossWednesday 19 November 2025 17:03 GMTThere have been a growing number of caravans and vans arriving at Durdham Down (The Independent)Bristol City Council plans to evict a large van-dwelling community from Durdham Down, a popular parkland area.The decision follows the discovery of human waste on the Downs, which councillors deemed a "significant public health issue" and "completely unacceptable".Local residents in surrounding wealthy suburbs had complained about the increasing number of lived-in vehicles, which exceeded 100 by August.While some van-dwellers cite Bristol's housing crisis and rising rents as reasons for their lifestyle, the council stated it must act to prevent public health risks.Outreach workers will assist residents in finding alternative accommodation, and Bristol City Council aims to increase dedicated pitches for van-dwellers from 67 to 250 by March next year.In fullOne of the UK’s biggest van-dwelling camps to be cleared after beauty spot ‘used as a toilet’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in