A ROW has broken out between seaside residents and so-called van dwellers who they claim have taken over a beauty spot and turned it into a “junkyard”.
Tensions have flared since a growing number of modified camper vans started parking overnight at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, near Poole, Dorset.
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The idyllic spot overlooking Poole Harbour has no overnight parking restrictions and now about a dozen vans have set up permanent camp.
Local residents have complained of strewn litter, loose dogs and oil spills.
A group of locals said the site had become such a state that they organised their own litter pick to make it look presentable.
They are calling on the council to introduce overnight parking fees to deter the lifestyle choice which is becoming increasingly popular in the cost of living crisis.
There are 63 spaces at the Lake Pier car park, and charges apply from March 15 to October 31.
For the rest of the year, parking is free.
However, the charges only apply until 6pm, and therefore, overnight parking is not monitored.
Ryan Speller said his family has been visiting Lake Pier for nearly 70 years and that ‘the area’s getting worse and worse’.
He said: “It’s disgusting down there. I used to go and have coffee and read the paper, but now you just can’t.
“People have been talking about the money that could be made if the council were to introduce parking fees overnight.”
However, the van dwellers received support from a local Labour councillor who said “people have rights to live how they choose”.
Peter Cooper, who represents Hamworthy, said: “People have rights to live how they choose, or others are forced into living in vans because of the lack of affordable housing for many people.”
One van dweller, Pete Brooks, said: “We get on well with all the locals and have become good friends with most of them.
“Unfortunately, a couple of my friends that live in their vans are changing them over at the moment as they have broken down and unrepairable, they are doing their best to get them changed over ASAP and the others will be gone very soon, hence the reason it may look a bit busier than normal, but we do keep it tidy there, and respect others at all times.”
BCP Council said they were aware of the van dwellers at Lake Pier but there had been no reports of antisocial behaviour.
A spokesperson said parking wardens regularly monitored the site and issued parking tickets when necessary.
Kieron Wilson, BCP Council cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said: “We are aware of van dwellers making use of overnight car parking at Lake Pier, and on occasion, we have been notified by residents who are concerned about criminal activity taking place.
“There is no evidence of crime or antisocial behaviour as a result of van dwellers at Lake Pier.
“Our parking enforcement team regularly monitor the site and will issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if a contravention has occurred.
“I would urge any resident who is concerned about antisocial behaviour to report this to our anti-social behaviour team.”
The council added that it is in the process of considering a community pact across the whole of the BCP seafront, which would establish designated safe parking areas with access to basic amenities for van dwellers.
The presence of the van dwellers sparked a mixed response on social media.
Steve McMahon said: “No need to introduce overnight parking charges.
“Do what happens all over the country and have no overnight camping or vans.”
But Carole Shepherd said: “No one can afford a mortgage let alone rent somewhere.
“People can only live how they can afford.”
Another resident said: “There is nothing wrong with what they are doing if it doesn’t break any of the rules/parking restrictions.
“There simply isn’t enough provision for people who live in vans in the UK, whereas much of Europe does cater for them.
“Portaloos are not required, but somewhere to empty van toilets could be provided.
“The UK needs to up its game for van life to be accommodated and there shouldn’t be an issue.”
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