Travellers evicted after breaking into field

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.

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.

Ricky Halford, 43, from Orpington, stole a motorhome in Aveley, rammed a police car, crashed into a barrier, and somersaulted off a footbridge. He pleaded guilty to theft, dangerous driving, and other charges. Sentencing set for July 6.