Removing van-dwellers 'not as easy as it may appear'

5 December 2025

John DarvallBBC Radio Bristol

News image — Bristol Council Leader Tony Dyer has been answering questions from listeners on BBC Radio Bristol

BBC Image of a man with glasses and a stubble beard, smiling at the camera. In the background can be seen a city park, trees, a number of flags and large Georgian style buildings. — Bristol Council Leader Tony Dyer has been answering questions from listeners on BBC Radio Bristol

Council leaders have said removing one of the UK's biggest van-dwelling communities is "not as easy as it may appear".

Councillor Tony Dyer, Bristol City Council's leader, has been on BBC Radio Bristol's Hot Seat answering questions from listeners.

Along with defending the city council's decision to remove van-dwellers from the city's Downs, he also discussed the controversial rollout of liveable neighbourhoods, fees for using public parks and trans rights walk-outs.

Read our takeaways from the show below or listen to the full interview here.

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Injunction to move van-dwellers 'not as easy as it may appear'

Councillor Dyer explained that the council must meet specific criteria to obtain an injunction to remove van-dwellers.

"That's not as easy as it may appear," he said.

He added that human excrement - found on the Downs - was sufficient grounds for an injunction, but that evidence "has to be demonstrated".

"We're not able just to come along and say we've been told. We have to basically demonstrate - which we have now done - that there is a serious case of human defaecation within parts of the Downs.

"We've been able to designate that a high impact area. We do have to take action," he added.

Last month, the city council began leafleting van dwellers on the Downs, formally asking them to leave the area.

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Liveable neighbourhoods rollout is 'not pre-determined'

The council leader said the authority will listen to what residents have to say.

"If we are not satisfied that what we're going to be providing in the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood is not something that residents want, then we won't go ahead with that.

"As ward councillors we need to be clear that what is being offered is appropriate," he added.

The South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood aims to create safer roads to encourage people to walk or cycle.

Fees for using city parks will be reviewed

He said the council's aim is to obtain a better understanding about what exactly is happening in our parks.

"We'll then look at the fee structures, review them - we want to make them as fair as possible but we also have to recognise that there are some people who are using our parks to make money.

"We want to make sure we're able to look after our parks," he added.

Under the proposals, dog walkers and any other paid-for exercise or wellness sessions could be charged at least £450 per person, per park, per year.

Trans rights - 'Councillors entitled to leave council chambers'

Councillor Dyer said when women activists come into the chamber to voice their views at the start of a meeting, councillors are unable to respond.

"[Councillors] are expected to sit there and listen to comments being made that some of them find offensive.

"I am not going to force them to stay in place and go through that when they have no opportunity to respond," he said.

It follows the resignation of councillor Paula O'Rourke from the party after other Green councillors walked out of a council meeting attended by women's rights campaigners.

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