I save £900 a month living in UK’s ‘Caravan City’ but posh locals want us GONE – we’re neat, tidy & do NOTHING wrong
A MAN saves £900 a month living in what has been dubbed the UK’s Caravan City – but posh locals want them out.
Callum Barber moved to the popular caravan dwelling by Durdham Downs, common land in Bristol after a hike in bills.
After becoming disillusioned by the constant rat race of life and facing ever mounting pressures from cost-of-living strains, the maths tutor left his traditional lifestyle behind.
When he received an early inheritance from his father to go towards a van, Callum poured about £30,000 into his new home on wheels.
If you want to get rid of van dwellers, sort out the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis
Callum Barber
He told The Sun: “I was living in Bristol, paying £900 a month, including bills. It was horrible.
“I was going to be poor in the present, future and in old age.
“This is my whole world. Everything I own. My life’s work.”
The 40-year-old explained how he can still earn cash for a pension by working remotely on his computer.
And, the money saving guru installed solar panels on his roof which generates free electricity in the warmer months.
In the winter, Callum relies on a small generator to see him through, which is still enough to power a tiny oven.
Meanwhile, water comes at no cost, as the van lifer sources a tap outside a garage.
However, locals are determined to boot out Callum, and the 40 or so others to have parked up to stay in Parry’s Lane and Saville Road.
But the maths tutor claimed most vehicle dwellers are responsible, respectful and don’t cause any problems for residents.
He even takes his toilet waste to a nearby farmer who puts it back into the earth.
Callum alleged most of the complaints came from wealthier homeowners – who have not considered their actions may force people into homelessness.
The caravan community have hit back at what they deem snobby locals.
Some have plastered notes on their vehicles which read: “We are simply trying to live our lives in peace and there is no impact whatsoever on anyone else’s life.”
And the 40-year-old added: “In my mind, van dwellers are absolutely not the problem. One per cent, or less, might not be responsible. But that’s because they’re vulnerable.
“If you want to get rid of van dwellers, sort out the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis.”
Callum also claimed he has not received much help from the council, although he admitted officials do conduct welfare checks in the area.
‘VACATE THE LAND’
However, due to concern expressed by residents and the authority, van dwellers have been given until June 26 to vacate the area.
Bristol City Council explained how residents have reported antisocial behaviour, including drug and alcohol abuse, and issues regarding noise, human waste disposal and parking dangerously.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “On 12 June, the council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team visited the encampment on Parry’s Lane and Saville Road to conduct a welfare check and assessment following complaints received from residents and councillors.
“During this visit, a letter was issued to occupants requesting they vacate the land in the next 14 days.
“This letter is an informal request and offers the vehicle dwellers the opportunity to open a dialogue about the concerns we have raised.
“The Neighbourhood Enforcement Team remains in conversation with the occupants of the Parry’s Lane encampment and will revisit the area on 26 June to assess if further action, as a result of any vehicles remaining on site, is necessary.”
Earlier this year, 800 vehicle dwellers were said to be taking advantage of relatively lenient parking restrictions on roads around the public open space.
Callum blasted: “In my mind, van dwellers are absolutely not the problem. One per cent, or less, might not be responsible. But that’s because they’re vulnerable.
“If you want to get rid of van dwellers, sort out the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis.”
He claimed not to have had much help from the council, although he admitted officials did conduct welfare checks.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “On 12 June, the council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team visited the encampment on Parry’s Lane and Saville Road to conduct a welfare check and assessment following complaints received from residents and councillors.
“During this visit, a letter was issued to occupants requesting they vacate the land in the next 14 days.
“This letter is an informal request and offers the vehicle dwellers the opportunity to open a dialogue about the concerns we have raised.
“The Neighbourhood Enforcement Team remains in conversation with the occupants of the Parry’s Lane encampment and will revisit the area on 26 June to assess if further action, as a result of any vehicles remaining on site, is necessary.”