A ROW has broken out between seaside residents and so-called van dwellers who they claim have taken over a beauty spot and turned it into a "junkyard". Tensions have flared since a growing number of modified camper vans started parking overnight at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, near Poole, Dorset.
![[Van dwellers parked in a lot.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/newspress-collage-iukzpsyev-1737730255974.jpg?1737730279&strip=all&w=960)
The idyllic spot overlooking Poole Harbour has no overnight parking restrictions and now about a dozen vans have set up permanent camp. Local residents have complained of strewn litter, loose dogs and oil spills. A group of locals said the site had become such a state that they organised their own litter pick to make it look presentable.
![[Two white vans parked in a lot.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/newspress-collage-cm1hjla63-1737730280422.jpg?1737730302&strip=all&w=960)
They are calling on the council to introduce overnight parking fees to deter the lifestyle choice which is becoming increasingly popular in the cost of living crisis. There are 63 spaces at the Lake Pier car park, and charges apply from March 15 to October 31.
![[Red and green camper van parked in a parking lot.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/newspress-collage-xneqdrs2x-1737730827817.jpg?1737730902&strip=all&w=960)
For the rest of the year, parking is free. However, the charges only apply until 6pm, and therefore, overnight parking is not monitored. Ryan Speller said his family has been visiting Lake Pier for nearly 70 years and that 'the area’s getting worse and worse'.
![[Cars and campervans parked in a lot.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/newspress-collage-4dk00wii5-1737727981158.jpg?1737730254&strip=all&w=960)
He said: "It’s disgusting down there. I used to go and have coffee and read the paper, but now you just can’t. "People have been talking about the money that could be made if the council were to introduce parking fees overnight.”. However, the van dwellers received support from a local Labour councillor who said “people have rights to live how they choose”.
![[White van parked in front of trees with a solar panel.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/newspress-collage-rpjy4984t-1737730903298.jpg?1737730917&strip=all&w=960)
