Caravan residents get early Christmas present

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A large number of elderly caravan park residents who have lived in their static mobile homes for years have been given a lifeline after being told they would have to move out.

It was revealed that Sandycroft’s Willow Brook Park did not have planning permission for the units, but the pensioners – some of whom have stayed there for five years – have been granted a reprieve, according to the Leader.

Local councillor David Wisinger told the newspaper that the problem has been brewing for years after residents were only told there was no planning permission after they placed their mobile homes on the site.

“They have been unable to move or sell their homes and didn’t know whether they would have to move and become homeless. It has been five long years of constant worry for them,” he said.

However, the application for planning permission has finally been processed, with the officer in charge revealing that a number of hold-ups had delayed the process.

Meanwhile, a Darlington indoor caravan storage firm has welcomed its 50th customer, the Northern Echo recently revealed.

Tragedy at caravan park during flood prevention work

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Work at a Selsey caravan park is set to continue after a tragic and fatal accident that led to the death of a contractor.

Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are conducting investigations into the death of a 60-year-old man, who was killed after becoming trapped under a bulldozer.

Michael Streeter, of Portslade, was working on shingle sea defences at West Sands Caravan Park on November 20th when the accident occurred, the Chichester Observer revealed.

“We were told to stop on the day and because of the flood risk down there and the essential nature of the maintenance work, we have been allowed to carry on,” an Environment Agency spokesman told the newspaper.

The organisation’s southern regional director, Toby Willison, said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and expressed sympathies on behalf of the Environment Agency to Mr Streeter’s family.

A number of caravan sites have been threatened by flooding so far this winter, with Cumbria being particularly affected by heavy rainfall.

London hotel prices ‘won’t fall further’

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Those planning to visit London may be inclined to stay in caravans outside of the city after being told that room rates in the capital are unlikely to decline any further.

According to TRI Hospitality Consulting, hoteliers in the UK’s largest city will refuse to drop prices further as the economy is beginning to recover.

Managing consultant Puneet Kanuga explained that London has avoided the struggle that other cities have experienced in terms of attracting visitors.

“It has been able to tap into leisure demand coming in from Europe because of the sterling falling against the euro and that has really pulled the market back up,” he said.

The company’s figures show that London was the only market in Europe that managed to reduce hotel payroll levels in the face of diminished revenues.

This, it claimed, was mainly down to the flexibility of the British workforce, which may have kept more hotels in business through the financial downturn.

Brits wishing to visit the capital could stay in a Brighton caravan and travel to the city by train, while still having the pleasures of a beachside holiday home.

Disabled caravan fans pointed towards Stratford-upon-Avon

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Disabled caravan enthusiasts may be interested to hear that Stratford-upon-Avon has been tipped as a good choice of destination for them.

According to Tourism For All, the level land around the town makes it easily accessible, meaning those with disabilities will find it possible to visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare without too much difficulty.

Shakespeare Houses & Gardens won the Heart of England Tourism Excellence Awards 2009 title of Best Tourism Experience.

Tourism For All head of consultancy Brian Seaman explained that other towns, such as Birmingham, Brighton and Hove have been tailoring their activities to less-able guests.

“Some destinations have been making a real effort to encourage disabled and older people to stay, by assessing what they have, how it could be improved and [they have] developed into an inclusive and welcoming environment for all,” he said.

A new OpenBritain guide from Tourism For All and RADAR includes a range of easily-accessible accommodation, attractions and services.

New tourism accessibility guidebook launched

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Elderly or less-able caravan owners may be interested in a new guidebook, which lists accessible facilities across the UK.

Released this week, the OpenBritain publication was created by Tourism For All and RADAR in an effort to collate information on the towns and attractions that are aiming for inclusion.

Also included in the guide is a list of providers of accommodation, equipment hire and other services that may be useful to those exploring Great Britain.

Tourism For All head of consultancy Brian Seaman revealed that the guide is specifically aimed at meeting the needs of disabled and elderly tourists.

“[The towns and businesses included] have either already been independently assessed to check the degree of accessibility or they are subject to visits to check that the information supplied is accurate,” he said.

The government has also set up the National Accessible Scheme in order to help tourism providers improve their offerings to the less-able in the community.

It is a voluntary scheme that allows participating businesses to promote how they cater for disabled and elderly guests.

Canada is “great for camping”

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While Brits may be used to camping and caravanning at home, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has explained that they can enjoy similar pleasures in North America.

CTC vice-president of strategic initiatives Susan Iris said that there are tents that allow intrepid holidaymakers to explore the country’s wilderness while still providing the same home comforts often associated with caravans.

She said that such products allow Brits to connect with Canada’s outdoors without forgoing “gourmet meals after they have done their day of hiking” – a pursuit known as glamorous camping, or glamping.

Ms Iris added that the nation’s culinary expertise was underestimated and that it offers a “sophistication” that few realise exists.

“You don’t see the wine outside Canadian borders, because you don’t realise the regions but we create ice wine which is world renowned,” the expert revealed.

The nation will soon host the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, which will take place at Cypress Hill and Whistler Blackcomb resorts.

Man keeps art collection in caravan

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A pig farmer who moved into a caravan due to unfortunate circumstances after his partner died has been using his mobile home to store his art collection.

According to BBC News, David Pike used an interest-free loan scheme set up by the Arts Council to fund his artistic purchases.

His favourite is a Peter Howsen piece which he explained he bought as it reflected the intensity and gentleness of his own personality.

Mr Pike revealed that he used to own the period farmhouse which he can see from his caravan window, but was forced to sell it and some of his land after his partner Janice passed away.

However, he intends to build a log cabin on the land he has retained, which will give him room to display all his purchases.

The pig farmer is one of 12,500 Brits to have taken advantage of the Arts Council initiative to fund otherwise impossible purchases, the online resource revealed.

Meanwhile, the Guardian has reported that 11 people were rescued from flooded caravans in Yorkshire on Sunday (November 30th).

Prince praises caravan park for squirrel work

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The attempts of a Lake District caravan park to encourage the repopulation of red squirrels in the area have been met with royal approval.

According to the Prince of Wales, Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside has set a prime example of what should be done to attract the critters.

The Westmorland Gazette revealed that Prince Charles wrote to the site’s owner Henry Wild to praise him and his staff for their “efforts to preserve this wonderful creature”.

“News that our efforts have also won the support of Prince Charles has come as a tremendous spur to our work – and we have offered to provide advice to others hoping to win back the red,” Mr Wild told the newspaper.

The royal support comes after the Red Squirrel Survival Trust spread word of the caravan site’s efforts to bring the animals back to the Lake District.

Prince Charles is a patron of the charity and was keen to endorse the good work in the hope that others would follow the site’s example.

Skelwith Fold is home to 300 privately-owned static caravans and also has space for touring caravans and mobile homes.

Camping tickets go on sale for T in the Park 2010

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Although the recent flooding in Cumbria and storms across the UK may not be the best environment to get music lovers geared up for the summer festival season, a number of camping tickets were made available today (November 27th) for a major event.

Scotland’s T in the Park festival welcomes campers to Balado Air Field in Kinross every year for a weekend of music, tents, food and drink.

Originally hosted in Strathclyde Park, which featured its own caravan and camping ground, the event outgrew the old venue and was moved to Kinross around a decade ago.

According to eFestivals.co.uk, organisers have made special early-bird tickets for next year’s festival available at 2009 prices.

Although the line-up is yet to be announced, four-day camping passes went on sale this morning (November 27th) at 09:00 GMT priced £180.

A Saturday and Sunday arena pass costs £145, meaning those who decide to pack themselves into a tent for the full event will get an extra two day’s partying and one day of acts for an extra £35.

Last year’s line-up included Kings of Leon, Pendulum and Blur, who arrived on stage late and announced that it would be the last time they would perform live.

Year-long caravan challenge almost complete

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The year-long challenge of a man who vowed to live in a caravan without money is set to end on Saturday (November 28th).

Irishman Mark Boyle decided last November to move into the mobile home and shun any form of cash for 365 days, living off the land and bartering.

The 30-year-old told the Sun that he has “never been happier” and that there is little to miss about his old life.

He sourced his home from giveaway website Freecycle and has been living rent-free at a farm commune, where he also grows his own vegetables and goes foraging for food.

“There’s loads of stuff you can eat if you know what to look for – mushrooms, berries,” he told the newspaper.

“Then there’s waste foraging, where you ask supermarkets and restaurants for their leftover food.”

A self-built compost toilet and old free newspapers for loo roll allow Mr Boyle to relieve himself, while cooking is done on a DIY stove made of olive oil containers.

His challenge has been about showing people how to avoid wasting food and other consumables and was inspired by the story of Gandhi, who said you must be the change you want to see in the world.

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed in Caravan Times that dozens of families in Yorkshire are facing their third Christmas living in caravans after flooding hit the area in 2007.

Caravanners urged to check tyres

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A tyre firm has warned motorists and caravan owners to pay attention to the only part of their vehicles that should come into contact with the road.

Protyre explained that it is important that drivers maintain this part of their autos as it is essential for their safety.

It advised carrying out a winter check to ensure the treads are fit for next spring and summer – especially if long journeys to a caravan site are planned.

As well as testing the tread depth and looking for signs of sidewall damage or misalignment, the valves should also be checked to ensure they are in good working order.

“Reports indicate that tyre failure is a major factor in accidents involving towed caravans,” explained Camping and Caravanning Club spokesman Barry Norris.

“It therefore makes sense to take care of this vital component of a caravan.”

When checking caravan tyres, the mobile home should be jacked up to take the weight off the wheels and allow a thorough examination.

Owners looking to protect their tyres over winter should cover them in a dense, breathable material such as hessian, Protyre advised.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has more than 4,000 sites across the UK.

Elderly caravan resident to take on billionaire in court case

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An 85-year-old static caravan resident is taking on one of the world’s richest men as she battles to stop her home being seized by compulsory purchase.

Donald Trump is facing legal action from Molly Forbes, who lives in the unit named Paradise next to her son Michael Forbes’ home near Aberdeen.

The mother and son have opposed the American’s plans for a new golf resort that would see their property bought by the local council.

However, Trump has claimed that the pensioner is being exploited by her son and used in a “personal vendetta” against him.

“His property is a disgusting blight on the community and an environmental hazard, with leaking oil containers, rusted shacks and abandoned vehicles dumped everywhere,” the businessman said in a statement.

Refusing to mince his words, he continued by claiming that Mr Forbes’ land currently presents a “very poor image” of Scotland.

Trump hosts the US version of The Apprentice, which is fronted by Sir Alan Sugar in the UK.