UK caravan shanty towns reveal harsh realities: frost-bitten winters, broken heating, and immigration raids due to housing crisis.
Bristol attracts many tourists with its beauty. However, it has the most caravan dwellers in the UK, revealing a housing crisis affecting many people. Last year, many vans appeared near Clifton Downs, causing anger from nearby residents.
The council tried to move the vans. Now, a bigger community is growing near the city center. Many residents work in the gig economy, for companies like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Some drive Ubers, while others face hard times.
New Stadium Road has poor conditions, differing from the Clifton Downs area. Rubbish piles up; there is a lack of toilet facilities. You can park a caravan legally on the road, yet living in one permanently needs permission.
One resident said rent was too expensive and he could not find a place within his budget. One flat viewing had 35 people competing. He bought a caravan because he needed a place. He stays there because other places move residents often, which is good for his work.
Bristol’s rents are high outside of London, driving people to live in caravans. Temperatures were low when a reporter visited. One man has heating, but others do not, and use blankets to stay warm. He saves money compared to renting and hopes to start his own business soon.
Two caravan sites exist in Bristol, contrasting greatly. Clifton Downs has affluent residents, some who converted vans into comfortable homes. They feel happy despite being forced from regular housing. Their community is friendly and clean.
The council tries to move them, but they return. New Stadium Road felt desperate and sad. Rubbish covers the area, and the caravans are old and falling apart. The residents are missing their families back home. They look fearful, unlike those at Clifton Downs.
The site lacks proper waste disposal. Bottles of urine are visible, and many vans lack heating. People live in poverty without water, showers, or heat. They fear immigration officials could disrupt their lives. Bristol is expensive, causing this situation.
Many sympathize with the caravan residents. A local resident buys groceries nearby, noting the site has grown. She feels safe during the day and believes the area isn’t beautiful anyway, so it doesn’t spoil it. She hopes they can stay to work.
Some residents live near the site and are angry, forming an action group. They complain to the police and council. One woman says there is rubbish and noise and feels the authorities do not care.
Bristol launched an effort to address rent issues. A third of the city rents housing. Rents rose 52% while wages rose only 24%. Residents need nine times their salary to buy a house. Renters feel insecure and anxious from the rising costs.
Many renters reported issues with disrepair, such as damp, mould, and plumbing problems went unfixed. Landlords and agents asked tenants to bid higher rents. Holiday lets and new rules reduced rentals. A room share costs over £700, and a small flat costs over £1,100 to rent.
The average salary is £38,990 a year. The housing crisis impacts family life. One neighbor says there’s noise and drug deals. Some residents are hardworking, while others sell drugs. Bikes get stolen and people gather at night.
Immigration Enforcement raided the site in October. Thirteen people overstayed their visas, and two breached visa and bail conditions. Thirteen may get deported, and four must report to the Home Office.
Officials say they target those who exploit workers. Locals claim caravans were removed but returned. Police work with the council to fight crime, claiming crimes are not higher than other areas. They patrol the area and meet with partners.
They encourage reporting issues. The police analyze reports to plan patrols. Report issues online or by phone. The council was asked for a statement.