Caravan site plans thrown out

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Plans for a new static caravan site near Malvern have been thrown out after local residents opposed the move.

According to the Malvern Gazette, there were 40 objections to the plans from W J Beard and Leigh Sinton Nurseries to construct the site for 31 timber-clad caravans.

The companies had already received permission for 24 units but opted to ask for more, which resulted in the Leigh and Bransford Parish Council noting that it was against the move.

Objectors were concerned that the work would harm the landscape and “close the gap between Leigh Sinton and Malvern”.

There are also worries over increased traffic on the B4505, despite the applicants producing their own 22-name petition in favour of the site.

Malvern Hills District Council planning officers had backed the move, saying that it would be appropriate use of the land, but the southern area development control committee voted against it, citing the lack of a demonstrable need for the development and its effect on the landscape.

Meanwhile, the Camping and Caravanning Club has predicted another bumper year of trading in 2010.

Camping and caravanning popularity grows

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The popularity of camping and caravanning has soared this year and is set to continue to grow in 2010, it has been claimed.

According to the Camping and Caravanning Club, 2009 was a record-breaking year for memberships, with a 24 per cent year-on-year increase.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that between August and October this year, the seasonally-adjusted number of visits abroad by UK citizens fell by three per cent.

According to Camping and Caravan Club spokesperson Jon Dale, the financial downturn has led to less people heading to foreign lands and encouraged more to holiday in the UK.

“People have not had as much disposable income as what they did have, due to the recession, so people are opting to holidaying in this country rather than going abroad,” he said.

Mr Dale added that popular caravan destinations include Scotland, the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall.

He noted that there has been a 48 per cent increase in advance bookings for 2010 and suggested that the signs are positive for another solid year.

Cumbria and Yorkshire popular Christmas choices

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The popular caravan destinations of Cumbria and Yorkshire are good choices for Christmas holidays, it has been claimed.

According to VisitEngland, such areas are great for last-minute deals in winter and offer a number of options for those taking a break from their normal working life.

A recent iknow-uk report found that Brits are increasingly favouring the Lake District and Yorkshire as their festive destination of choice, with 20 per cent and 36 per cent of holiday searches respectively.

Commenting, VisitEngland head of strategy Jenny McGee said that heading off to a “cosy cottage” or “recreating … childhood memories”, such as those spent in a caravan, is popular during the winter months.

“Visitors can enjoy long walks through stunning countryside before tucking into their Christmas dinner or finding a warm and welcoming pub to sneak into for a cup of mulled wine … making [the north of England] an excellent destination for a last-minute winter break,” she said.

Recent statistics from VisitBritain show that the average spend per tourist has increased of late, despite a drop in visitor numbers.

Gay rugby player sought solitude at caravan

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The friend of the world’s first openly gay professional rugby player has revealed how he invited the star to live at his caravan while he battled with the idea of revealing his sexuality to the world.

Cardiff Blues player Gareth Thomas sought solitude and advice by heading to Paul Cawsey’s South Wales caravan, the Sun reported.

The 57-year-old campsite handyman explained that he had befriended the 35-year-old rugby player – known as Alfie – and offered counsel at a tough time in his life.

“He asked me not to tell people because he was concerned it would make his life hell on and off the pitch. I am in no way gay myself but I’ve never had any problem with Alfie’s sexuality,” Mr Cawsey told the newspaper.

Thomas stars for Wales and the British Lions, as well as Cardiff Blues. He has been backed by Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis, who said he is an “inspiration” and that the organisation is supporting him.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, a caravan went up in flames at Brixham Rugby Ground, the South Devon Herald Express reported.

Caravan fire safety underlined

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The importance of fire safety among caravan owners has been underlined by a tragic accident in Pateley Bridge near Harrogate.

A 66-year-old man died after falling asleep with a lit cigarette, which proceeded to burn down his mobile home, the Harrogate Advertiser reported.

Leslie Watson is believed to have died from smoke inhalation before local resident Charles Swires discovered the blaze after a phone call from a neighbour alerted him to it.

Mr Watson is believed to have smoked up to 40 cigarettes a day and investigating fire officer Roy Ashman told the newspaper that caravanners should be especially careful of smoking in their mobile homes.

“If a cigarette drops on the right sort of material it will either ignite straight away or, if it drops on resplendent material like bedding, it can incubate for a period of time undetected by the person,” he said.

Mr Ashman added that caravans are particularly susceptible to ignition due to the material they are made from.

Meanwhile, an Aberdeenshire caravan site owner is to take legal action after a water main caused a reported £200,000 worth of damage to his property, the Press & Journal has revealed.

Caravan site owner to sue Scottish Water

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The owner of an Aberdeenshire caravan park is preparing to take legal action against a water company after a flood caused damage to his site.

Burnside Caravan Park owner Gordon Christie claims that a Scottish Water mains pipe contributed to the incident on September 4th that has left him with a bill of £200,000, the Press & Journal reported.

According to the Morray site supremo, the pipe effectively caused a dam, trapping flood water from the burn which runs through the park and causing its banks to burst.

The flooding caused a bridge to be washed away and also damaged the water pipe, but Scottish Water denies that the repairs to the bank is its responsibility.

“There would not be all the damage in the burn if the pipe had not been there so how can they just walk away from it and leave me to repair it? It’s a disgrace,” Mr Christie told the newspaper.

However, the firm is standing by its position and said that if the caravan site owner wishes to make a claim then he can, but that it feels the repairs are his responsibility.

In other news, the Harrogate Advertiser has reported on a tragic accident in which a Harrogate pensioner lost his life, underlining the risks of smoking in a caravan.

Aberdeenshire caravan site upgrades being delayed

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Aberdeenshire caravan parks could potentially be improved if more community groups were willing to take responsibility for their management, it has been claimed.

However, despite strong interest in taking the running of sites out of the hands of Aberdeenshire Council, many bids seem to fall by the wayside when groups or individuals are asked to come up with a business case, the Press & Journal reported.

According to the local authority, many are worried about taking on what is perceived to be risk, despite the recent increases in the popularity of caravanning.

“We have done some work to upgrade the basic facilities available within some of the larger parks, including sewerage and water,” explained council officer Graham Wall.

He added that as site users now require additional facilities, the council has identified areas where investment is needed to try to match demand.

Attractions in and around Aberdeenshire include the city’s promenade and seaside amusements, as well as Loch Ness and the Scottish highlands further west.

Woman defies redundancy to set up caravan firm

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A Newton Aycliffe woman has stared adversity in the face after being made redundant and defied it by setting up her own caravan business.

According to the Northern Echo, Paula Gilbey lost her job at leisure retail firm Discover after eight years’ service.

Rather than moping around or changing career paths, the entrepreneur decided to use her expertise to set up Multi-Touring.

She now sells caravan parts and accessories such as electrical and gas equipment, both in her own store and over the internet.

“It’s a good time to be going into business. It’s an industry I love and a customer base I know well,” she told the newspaper.

Ms Gilbey added that the contacts made in her previous role should help establish her fledgling company and allow her to make a living from doing something she loves.

Meanwhile, the Aberdeen Press & Journal has revealed that local community groups are hesitant to get involved in improving caravan parks in the area.

Caravanners reassured over Cumbria trips

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British caravan owners worried by the recent flooding in Cumbria have been reassured that much of the area is still “open for business”.

According to Cumbria Tourism, the widely-reported disasters caused by last month’s excessive rainfall have only affected small pockets of the county.

Cumbria Tourism chairman Eric Robson explained that the pictures of Cockermouth and Worthington may have people worried, but attempted to put their minds at rest.

“A lot of people come up to the Lake District this time of year to go walking in the sharp winter weather,” he said.

Mr Robson revealed that of the 892 footpaths in the region, just 21 required serious repairs after the flooding.

Meanwhile a recent OnePoll survey found that the Lake District was the fifth most popular holiday destination in Europe.

Barcelona, Paris, Rome and Venice made up the rest of the top five, with the UK capital of London also making it into the ten-strong list.

Caravan Watch scheme launched in Winsford Flash

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Most people have heard of Neighbourhood Watch projects, but one town is set to launch a caravan alternative.

The Winsford Guardian revealed that the town is preparing to launch its first Caravan Watch scheme at Winsford Flash’s Lakeside Caravan Park.

It is designed to get mobile home owners to keep an eye on each others’ units, with four people being appointed as co-ordinators.

Their phone numbers will be given to each of the site’s 168 static caravan owners, allowing them to report suspicious behaviour to the co-ordinator, who will liaise with local police.

“To save 20 people calling up about the same thing, the coordinator can take the calls and inform the police,” the park’s assistant manager Tracy Mills told the newspaper.

She added that it also encourages residents to look after one another and gives them the chance to report problems to someone other than the police if they feel it necessary.

Meanwhile, the Great Yarmouth Mercury has revealed that Beaumont Park Caravan Park has asked for permission to rearrange its site, allowing three more caravans to be fitted in.

Greece ‘has exhausted its beach holiday potential’

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UK caravan enthusiasts may be better off staying at home next year after a Greek expert suggested the Mediterranean country has “exhausted its potential” as a sun, sand and sea destination.

With so many beautiful beaches in the UK and France, Greece can no longer compete for those whose only desire is to relax on a sunlounger or towel.

Greek deputy culture and tourism minister Angela Gerekou explained that the Mediterranean country must now start playing up its cultural side to appeal to a new generation of Brits who want more for their money when travelling abroad.

“Tourism makes up 80 per cent of air passengers so it is important that air networks are included [in marketing campaigns],” she said. “We need to give Greek tourism a new identity in the market it deserves.”

Those who would rather stay closer to home and enjoy British beaches and culture could visit Cornwall, Devon or Brighton – all of which boast fair weather in summer.

New search facility for campsites next to a good pub

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Caravan owners who use pitchup.com to help them find suitable sites for a holiday may have noticed that the website has joined forces with The Good Pub Guide.

The union has created a “pitch and pub” application with which caravanners can choose a campsite based on its proximity to the nearest recommended bar.

It contains The Good Pub Guide’s recommended watering holes, which have been reviewed by readers and visited by at least one member of the editorial team.

Lucky Dip pubs are also listed, however these are generally only recommended by readers and have not been verified by the guide.

A further 50,000 bars are included in the search, while caravan owners are also able to check whether the sites allow campfires or pets.

Pitchup.com managing director Dan Yates explained that having a warm pub nearby is a “key part” of the winter camping experience.

“This new functionality gives users further insight into camping and caravanning locations which, along with the site’s independent user reviews, make Pitchup.com an invaluable research tool,” he said.

Meanwhile, those planning on camping at the Isle of Wight Festival in June can expect to see Doves and Ocean Colour Scene, who were recently added to the line-up.