News / coronavirus
Temporary site for van dwellers to open in Sea Mills
A temporary site for van dwellers to live during the coronavirus pandemic is opening in Sea Mills on Wednesday.
Land at Portway Rugby Development Centre will offer 25 pitches to locate people who might need support, with those arriving provided with refreshments and support from Red Cross volunteers to access health advice.
Facilities will be made available on the site and they will be cleaned and disinfected every day to contain the potential spread of Covid-19.
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Bristol Waste will also provide appropriate waste and recycling facilities, with Bristol Water donating water for the site.
A steep rise in the number of people living in vehicles or tent encampments prompted Bristol City Council to draw up a new official policy in 2019.
These included enforcement measures and the potential use of 12-month injunctions in locations considered vulnerable or adversely affected by “high impact” encampments.
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “It’s really important that we find suitable space off the highway both for their own safety and for the safety of wider Bristol residents.”
He added: “We’re contacting local residents next to the site to assure them of the steps we’re putting in place; and remember, this is a temporary arrangement.
“I just want to thank Vehicles for Change for their support in this area.”
Land at Portway Rugby Development Centre will offer 25 pitches – photo: Bristol City Council
Main photo: Bristol City Council
Read more: Clampdown on ‘tent villages’ and van dwelling in Bristol
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