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Motorhome owner's plea for council to create a space for vehicles to park overnight in Walmer amid new restrictions

By: Eleanor Perkins

Published: 13:00, 30 September 2020

Pressure is mounting for Dover District Council to find a suitable overnight parking spot for motorhomes after residents close in on their fight to have them banned.

Homeowners along The Beach in Walmer have collected a dossier of evidence showing caravans and other vehicles equipped for living causing a nuisance along the road.

New restrictions could mean motorhomes will no longer be able to park along The Beach in Walmer overnight Picture: Pip Bailey

The residents group claim over the past five years they have been subjected to antisocial behaviour, noisy generators, rubbish dumping and foul water being discharged into the drains.

One woman, Chloe Collard, 26, of Conyngham Close, Ramsgate , was even fined £460 for flytipping in January 19.

One final nod from Kent County Council will prohibit the vehicles from parking there between the hours of 6pm and 6am, but concerns have been raised about where the motors will then go.

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Motorhome owner Sarah Hope said that banning parking there will move people “elsewhere”.

She said: “With councils banning overnight parking in their car parks it means people like myself have to find somewhere else to park.

Residents claim motorhome users would leave behind rubbish Picture: Pip Bailey

“My suggestion is to ask councils to consider creating an area of some of their car parks for the specific use of motorhomes to park overnight. French call the Aires de Camping car. This would give a safe area for motorhomers to park.

“The majority of us are respectful to local residents. There are a number of us that will collect litter, and most of us eat, drink and shop locally to help communities.”

One option being considered for the past year is the Borrow Pit car park, the gravel area off The Beach.

Earlier discussions by Dover Joint Transportation Board were that the site could be free with a maximum stay of 23 hours and the council could encourage people to use it rather than parking on other nearby roads such as Granville Road.

Parish, district and county councillor Derek Murphy, who worked with the residents on their proposal, said: “Borrow Pit car park is being considered but we’re going through the feasibility stage at present.

A caravan parked along The Beach in Walmer Picture: Pip Bailey

“As a tourist destination we need to look at all aspects; at how tourists are looked after and managed in the district while not compromising what the residents would like.

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“We are trying to find alternatives but space is at a premium. Dover District Council is moving as quickly as it can.”

The motion would require a formal consultation, he highlighted, and increased capacity for disposal of rubbish and slurry would be among the specifics required for consideration.

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