Call to beat illegal Haverigg campers
Last updated at 15:23, Tuesday, 31 July 2012
A RECENT spate of overnight visitors camping illegally at Haverigg has prompted a call for action.
Increasing numbers of campervans have been pulling up at various car parks and empty plots of land around the village.
Steve Attwood, co-owner of Port Haverigg Holiday Village and Butterflowers Caravan Park, says the problem wants “nipping in the bud”.
He said: “It is a bit annoying when they’re parking outside your gate for free, yet we have to abide by the legislation – fire and health and safety etc – and provide proper toilets and pay business rates.
“I’ve noticed the odd campervan around.
“It wants nipping in the bud because people get on to social networking sites and spread the word, and we don’t want Haverigg becoming known as a freebie.”
Mr Attwood said his sites had previous problems with people camping illegally but still trying to use his water and toilet facilities.
He said: “You worry that they sneak in and use your facilities when you’re not looking. We’ve had to put coded door locks on to try and keep them out.”
Bill Dowbiggin, chairman of Millom Rugby Union Club, which offers a small camp site, echoed Mr Attwood’s comments.
He said: “There’s plenty of registered camp sites in the area so there is really no excuse for just parking up in a car park. You’re never in a position where there are no places left.
“Our toilet facilities are protected by pin code, which you get when you stay with us.
“But for getting water and emptying chemical toilets, that’s just outside the site so anyone could be using it.
“It’s not as if it is a lot of money they’re saving by not staying at a camp site.”
Councillor Janice Brown raised the issue of people camping illegally at Wednesday night’s meeting of Millom Town Council.
The mayor of Millom said: “People have started camping illegally at Haverigg again. They’re staying overnight, parking in the square, outside the inshore rescue base or in the car parks.
“People may say we’re against tourism. We’re not, we’re just against illegal camping.
“I couldn’t go to somewhere like Southport and just camp carte blanche. I’d be moved on – and so should these people.”
First published at 16:16, Monday, 30 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
I notice it`s the owners of the campsites that are trying to get this stopped.
If they started charging " realistic " prices then maybe we would use them more.Tourism brings in much needed money for an area but obviously this " area " must be very well off to start with then.We need fuel, food, etc. etc. and buy it in the local establishments.If the council took a lead from other areas and provided somewhere clean and safe for the motorhomes to " overnight " a fee of say £5 would be acceptable and it would also take them off the streets and out of the faces of the local campsite owners !!Unless it`s the local councilers that own the campsites then we are onto a non-starterView all 21 comments on this article
Have your say
Most motorhomes are self-sufficient with their own toilets, water, power & waste collection so need no "site facilities" so why should they pay for things they don't need or use? But, People in motorhomes do need fuel, food & drink. It is impossible to carry everything with you, so you buy locally as you travel.
In addition they visit attractions & shops just like any other tourist. Motor homes cost around £50,000 new & hold their value so most of these people are not freeloaders or short of money. If you have too many tourists spending their money in your town, then by all means discourage them from coming. But otherwise, can I recommend the French concept of encouraging visitors, set up car parks where M/H's can stop overnight with no facilities & perhaps a low charge(say under a fiver). This is already done in other parts of the country & works well. But maybe you don't need our money?Posted by s kean on 15 August 2012 at 18:21