By Mal Butler
Work has started to restrict overnight access to a piece of land in Bembridge which has attracted a number of camper vans, with some allegedly remaining there for more than a year.
Local residents have expressed concern about the numbers which have been parking on the former gravel pit of land, owned by Bembridge Harbour. They say there are no toilet facilities there and also claim rubbish has been dumped on the highway to be collected by the council.
The parish council say they have no jurisdiction on the land as it is privately owned, but this week Malcolm Thorpe, owner of Bembridge Harbour, confirmed: “Work has started to erect Harris Fencing around the site.
“A lot of the camper vans which were there have gone; however there are three or four whose owners work locally and, by choice, are living in the vans. They are nice people in their late 20s or early 30s and I have no problem with them staying on.
“There is a national app for camper van users where they can find places to park overnight free, so we are putting out messages on there to say they are not welcome on this ground because we want to deter them. If they then decide to park there overnight, they will have to pay.
“However, this weekend there is a regatta at Brading Haven Yacht Club, and there will be access for yachts to be kept at The Point and the local lads there on site will keep an eye on them.
“I am happy to work with the parish council and local community if they will give me their support.”
Isle of Wight Observer