We, the residents of Greenbank view have been given a notice demanding we leave in a week’s time (26th April). If any vehicles remain after this point, we will be taken to court. We don’t believe what we are doing is a crime. We are just trying to exist. The majority of us at Greenbank View are young people, unable to afford to live in this city despite working as hard as we do.
Young people are struggling to afford stable housing, the average rent in Bristol being over £600 per month, yet wages have stayed the same. Vehicle dwelling is our solution to the housing crisis. We also find this way of life means we have more time for volunteering, community projects and our own pursuits.
We want to challenge the assumption that people who live in vehicles are anti-social, jobless, or a threat; when in fact we are engaged in activism, art, law and youth work. We are tidy, respectful people and regularly clean up the street/park together. Noone who lives here is a ‘party person,’ in fact we mainly enjoy meals together and an early night! We try hard to be considerate of the neighborhood and feel saddened that things have escalated to this point.
A resident from the community, who grew up in Horfield explains, ‘ I have three different jobs and even now, I couldn't afford Bristol house prices. Rent prices have escalated and I was faced with the choice to either leave Bristol or find an alternative way of living.’
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We want to challenge this eviction. We know from previous evictions, this will not solve the problem. But merely force us to move elsewhere, putting pressure on more residential areas. The breakdown of our community also means the more vulnerable members will be faced with greater risk, by parking up on streets alone, such as solo women. The solution of moving us will be short term and undoubtedly followed by people returning, who could potentially be less peaceful.
We feel this is a waste of time and money, especially as we have expressed a willingness to work alongside the council and local community, and to respond to any concerns. We hope to coexist together with the community and encourage people to speak directly to us if there are issues.
You may have heard the council offering us ‘meanwhile sites’ and are wondering why we choose to be roadside. There is only one 'permanent' site in Laurence Weston for 20 vehicles which is full. The few other ‘meanwhile sites’ are temporary and are also at capacity. The council describe these sites on their website as having, 'Limited provision for vehicle dwellers who are currently kerbside in Bristol.’ We feel the offer of living on a ‘meanwhile site’ is an empty promise.
There is not enough space on the meanwhile sites for the increasing number of people living in vehicles in Bristol. The council are also resistant to letting these sites be community led which puts vehicle dwellers off. We are left asking the question, where shall we go?
The council initially recommended that we live at Greenbank view, suggesting it was a suitable road. It is a 'no through' road and is not directly outside any housing. We feel it is an appropriate site for a vehicle community due to the wide nature of the road, allowing people to pass either on the road or pavement.
We are now all now at risk of fines, a trial and an eviction. We ask for your compassion and understanding. Whether or not you agree with the van lifestyle, we hope you now understand our situation.
Please support us by signing the petition and sending your thoughts to Steve Eyres, the Senior Neighborhood Enforcement Officer
07585103580
Steve.Eyres@bristol.gov.uk
We try to engage with the locals as much as possible, so if you have not met us, come and say hello! We intend to hold a community meet up, where we can share concerns and solutions.
Sign the petition
https://www.change.org/SaveGreenbankVehicles