We live in Caravan beds are like coffins but its too expensive to rent here

WITH its expansive fields, river valley views and treelined paths, its easy to see why David Attenborough once called the Bristol Downs the jewel in the citys crown. But locals are despairing over the growing number of people choosing to make the lush green area their home by setting up camp in vans and motorhomes. In 2024 the scenic south west city was not named in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live roundup for the first time in the guides 12year history having previously topped the list in 2017 in part due to its ruthless property market. According to 2023 figures, Bristol is the most expensive place to live in Britain outside London. Its the lack of affordable homes that have forced hundreds of people to give up on conventional living and turn to a life on wheels. A recent report from Bristol City Council says there are now up to 800 inhabitants of vans, motorhomes and caravans around the Downs made up of Clifton Down and Durdham Down. I