After years of inertia under the previous Labour Mayor, the Council is now on course to remove van dwellers from the Downs by early Summer.
Cllr John Goulandris comments : “ The turning point was the packed public meeting at St Albans Church leading to the formation of Protect the Downs, which together with local councillors and other stakeholders has lobbied relentlessly for the removal of van dwelling on the Downs. I am pleased the administration has finally recognised that squatting on the kerbside without basic facilities is not an acceptable form of living and detracts massively from residents’ enjoyment of the Downs.”
The Council is seeking legal powers to evict the remaining van dwellers.
Cllr Henry Michallat adds : “ The Downs is a very special green space, used by people from all over Bristol. Litter, excrement and anti social behaviour have been a blight on the Downs. Van dwellers need to be on sites with facilities or in social housing. Being left to camp on the roadside without toilets or water is a real indictment of the previous Mayor.”
