by Tom Walsh
Caravanners in Fleet, Hampshire, aimed to bring the town to a standstill when they protested the closure of a caravan storage facility last Friday (19 July).
Around 20 vehicle owners planned to drive through the centre of the town during afternoon rush hour in a bid to “cause carnage”.
The protests followed an announcement that CJM Caravans will be shut after 11 years of being in operation, local radio station 96.4 Eagle reports.
Despite being a staple and much-used facility, the company has never had proper planning permission and Hart District Council warned owner Linda Timms that she needs to respect the planning laws in place.
However, Mrs Timms has been defiant in her action and told the news provider: “I am sure there are always lots of arguments over planning, but truly that is what it feels like.
“Why close a local business down that is successful, is needed in the area and has got a lot of support?”
The move comes after a caravan storage company in Wilsden, West Yorkshire, was denied plans to expand its premises.
