Residents of the Boscombe area in Bournemouth are complaining about semi-permanent van and caravan dwellers parked along Boscombe Overcliff Drive. Locals say the vehicles block visibility when exiting side streets, creating a danger of accidents. Some residents of luxury flats worth from £1 million are also upset about the obstructed sea view.
In the Southbourne Overcliff area, a passive-aggressive banner reading "BCP Council welcomes long-term van dwellers" appeared; the council removed it as unauthorised. About 20 vehicles are parked on the clifftop road, and residents also complain about a lack of toilets and a deteriorating atmosphere.
BCP Council cannot forcibly evict the dwellers due to the absence of a relevant traffic regulation order. The authorities are considering creating secure parking lots with basic amenities and introducing parking restrictions. A petition calling on the council to act has gathered hundreds of signatures.