Complaints after caravans pitched at traveller site without permission

A British carpenter bought a 2002 truck and converted it into a motorhome with a kitchen, five beds, and antique furniture in 12 weeks. Similar truck-based motorhomes on the used market cost between €150,000 and €250,000. Official registration requires a technical inspection, and insurance premiums may be higher until then.

Blaby District Council expressed disappointment after an appeal overturned a refusal for a traveller site. The site will be used for three years to meet accommodation needs. Previous applications for similar schemes were refused or withdrawn, including a plan for two caravan pitches and a dayroom rejected in May 2020.

Dave Ratcliffe, 81, died two weeks after being struck by a car at a caravan site in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Police reported that the couple had been visiting the site for three years, and this was meant to be their last season in the caravan. His wife stated they had run pubs and a caravan site together, and later worked as dog sitters.

Devizes Town Council has proposed a motorhome and caravan parking facility at The Wharf Car Park beside the Kennet and Avon Canal. The pilot scheme includes a minimum of three spaces with potential for expansion, with a 24-hour stay costing around £10. The area will be separate from the main car park, and outdoor camping activities such as awnings and cooking are prohibited. The council expects economic benefits for the town and Wiltshire.

A caravan was stolen from a field in Tumpy Green near Dursley. The cream-coloured Pageant twin-axle caravan was taken between May 27 and May 28. Gloucestershire police are appealing for information under incident number 261 28/5/26.

Cat Cross and Stuart Hall sold their possessions and moved into a converted 7.5-metre Mercedes Sprinter. Since 2022, they have travelled over 40,000 km across 15 countries, including the Sahara, spending £900–1,200 a month — less than Cat's weekly rent.