Swinney: 'What we needed a camper van for is beyond me'

A fire destroyed three caravans in Glastonbury, Somerset. A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of arson. The incident has heightened tensions between residents and people living in caravans and motorhomes, driven by a shortage of affordable housing. As of May 2024, 157 such vehicles were counted in the town.

A group of travellers broke a padlock and chain to force three caravans and a campervan into Maise's Meadow in Crostwick Lane. Spixworth Parish Council said bailiffs issued an immediate eviction notice. Police were informed the group moved to a service road off Atlantic Avenue in Sprowston. A new padlock and chain have been fastened to the gate.

The new Everwild camping site in Owston Ferry, near Gainsborough, opens July 17. The nine-acre site has 12 pitches for tents and hammocks only; motorhomes and campervans are not allowed.

BCP Council will raise licence fees for owners of caravan sites in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole from 1 October. The increase applies to 21 residential sites, grouped into five bands based on the number of mobile homes. For the smallest sites (up to 10 homes), annual charges rise from £192 to £200; for the largest (up to 142 homes), from £383 to £398. Fees for licence transfers and operator assessments will also increase. The council noted there is little regulation to prevent costs being passed on to residents.

A flipped caravan caused long delays on the M5 Northbound between Junction 7 and Junction 8 near Strensham. West Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene; a man and a woman were assessed but declined hospital treatment. West Mercia Police did not attend.

On the morning of June 19, a caravan overturned on the M25 in the UK. The incident occurred between junctions 5 and 6 in Surrey. No injuries were reported. Traffic was disrupted for several hours, with three lanes closed for recovery.