Abandoned caravan sparks frustration in Old Glossop 

A long-abandoned caravan and trailer in a free High Peak Borough Council car park is causing frustration for residents of Old Glossop, who say the space could be better used for much-needed parking. 

The tightly packed streets in the picturesque village make parking a challenge, and locals say the car park could provide additional spots for residents and visitors - if only the council would respond to repeated appeals for the caravan to be removed. 

The caravan, which has sat in the car park for over four years, is in disrepair and no longer roadworthy. Residents report that someone has been living there intermittently, believed to have broken into the caravan to squat, leaving behind rubbish and even human waste. 

Old Glossop councillor Paul Hardy, who first reported the situation over four years ago, said: “There is not a lot of space to park on the streets around here. Moving the caravan and trailer would free up space for three cars. It’s a complete disgrace that nothing has been done about it. Human waste is cleared periodically by the council - why not remove the source? I’m glad that Cllr Adie Hopkinson has got involved because I must admit that after four years I’m at a loss as to what else to do.” 

Cllr Adie Hopkinson confirmed that the council has issued a 14-day notice to the caravan’s owner: “Residents contacted me as they were frustrated by poor communication from the council,” he said. “The notice means that if the caravan is not removed within 14 days, the council can remove it and charge the owner. Unfortunately, this type of notice has been used before without success. It is unacceptable for local people to have to deal with human waste in their car park.” 

Neighbours say the caravan is an eyesore in the conservation area and have urged the council to act. One resident told The Glossop Chronicle: “In October of last year, I reported the issue to the council as someone appeared to be staying in the caravan and depositing rubbish behind it. I was told it wasn’t considered an environmental health issue and would be referred to Assets/Car Parks. I heard nothing further, so I chased it up and provided photographs, but there’s been no progress. Had it been a car or van, an abandoned vehicle notice would have been issued and it would have been towed away.” 

The Old Glossop Residents Association has echoed these concerns. Janet Bingham, the association’s secretary, said: “Residents have regularly raised concerns about the caravan. We have encouraged them to raise these concerns with the council, and they’ve done so without success.” 

The association has also expressed concern for the person reported to have been staying there. Mark Henderson, a retired GP, said: “I’m concerned about the mental and physical health of the person that’s been living here.” 

Another neighbour described the impact on daily life: "The caravan has been parked up for a number of years. It looks as though it is just full of junk. It has never moved and is now covered in weeds and undergrowth. It is almost totally hidden and looks very dilapidated. Parking is at a premium in Old Glossop and extra spaces would be very beneficial to the area. 

On occasions there has been somebody living in the caravan, I have seen a taxi dropping somebody off there! Having somebody living in the caravan who discards their rubbish, sometimes human waste, on to the car park and alongside our garden is unacceptable. 

I have reported the rubbish to HPBC on a couple of occasions and I have to say that the council have responded very quickly and men in white suits have turned up to clear the rubbish away.” 

The Glossop Chronicle contacted High Peak Borough Council and Councillor Godfrey Claff, Executive Councillor for Community Safety and Planning, said: “We are aware of this caravan and are currently looking into options for removal. However, there are certain legalities which need to be considered before we proceed.” 

The Glossop Chronicle also spoke to the caravan’s owner, who confirmed they are happy to work with the council to resolve the issue. 

Residents say they would be happy to help tidy the car park once the caravan is removed, turning it into a community effort to restore the space for everyone.