POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a fourth arson attack on a caravan parked in a Fishponds street.
The latest incident in Goodneston Road happened at about 10pm on Thursday and destroyed a caravan parked at the roadside.
It follows earlier fires on November 13 last year, at about 5pm, on January 5 shortly after 5pm and overnight on January 26-27.
Police say that a witness saw two men arrive in the area in an “older-style brown estate” car around the time of the first attack in November.
Inspector Richard Jones, of the Fishponds neighbourhood policing team, said: “Detectives are investigating these incidents and believe there is a strong possibility that they may all be linked.
“Fortunately to date there have been no serious injuries, but clearly the consequences of starting a fire deliberately could be catastrophic in terms of safety.
“We are in close contact with the residents and the council around these incidents.
“Officers and PCSOs are conducting high-visibility patrols in the area for reassurance and to try to identify those responsible.”
Police are calling on anyone with information about any of the incidents to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5226 033 963.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.
Caravan occupants told to leave
The number of vans and caravans parked in Goodneston Road has reduced from a peak of around 30 last year to 16 today (above), following the start of enforcement proceedings against people living in them.
Council officers visited the caravans and other lived-in vehicles at the side of Goodneston Road on January 19, giving the occupants seven days to leave or face eviction.
The council reassessed Goodneston Road as a ‘high impact’ site, where action was needed due to the effect of the large encampment on the local community, in early January.
It followed more than 100 complaints since last August about fly-tipping, faeces, needles and syringes, abandoned vehicles, drug dealing and even theft of electricity from streetlamps.
Enforcement action will also be taken on a smaller encampment of around 10 caravans on Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, at the side of Bristol Brunel Academy, following complaints about drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.
The Voice understands that the Duncombe Lane caravans will be designated as having a serious impact due to their proximity to the school, but while the council has said vehicle dwellers will be asked to leave “in due course”, no timescale has been set yet.
Hillfields ward councillors Ellie King and Kelvin Blake welcomed the fact that the council is “finally taking action” but accused the administration of prioritising van dwellers over residents and businesses.
They said: “We have long been clear this situation is unacceptable for everyone involved – residents shouldn’t have to deal with excrement and fly-tipping on our streets, nor should van dwellers be expected to live without basic sanitation facilities.”
‘Not ideal’ living at roadside
A CARAVAN resident told the Voice that for many people like her, living at the side of Goodneston Road was “not their first choice”.
The woman, who asked not to be named, she had been living in a caravan on and off for the past six years, after falling behind on her rent during the pandemic when she was unable to work.
She said a lot of those who lived in the caravans were working, many had been living in Bristol for more than ten years and some were born in the city but had nowhere else to go.
The woman is one of those hoping to get places on the temporary ‘meanwhile sites’ the council is setting up with local landowners.
She said: “I’m happy to pay to be somewhere safe, with water and a toilet.
“It’s a lot harder to work when you can’t have a shower and you have to use the toilets in Morrisons or a pub.
“I’m trying to get on to one of the meanwhile sites but I’ve been told it can take four to six months.
“The council have been very understanding and said they won’t tow us away while we’re trying to make arrangements.
“I can see why the council are moving people on – there are too many caravans on the street.
“When I first moved here it was quite tidy but as more caravans have been abandoned, we’ve had people who aren’t respectful of the lifestyle moving into them.
“The past couple of months haven’t been ideal. I live with my partner but if I was a single female on my own I’d feel less safe.
“There are a lot of really lovely people here but you also get people knocking on your door assuming you’re selling drugs.”