Controversial caravan site plans for West Stow Country Park cancelled

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by Ellie Pritchard

More than 70 objections lead to cancellation of expansion at West Stow caravan site

Plans for a controversial 180-pitch caravan and camping site at West Stow Country Park, home of a popular Anglo Saxon village, have been cancelled due to outrage at its inevitable environmental impact.

The original plans for the caravan site were well received by St. Edmundsbury Borough Council as the expansion of West Stow Country Park would drastically increase the income and popularity of the area. However, with its subsequent effects on wildlife and foliage, more than 70 objections have been issued.

The plans may still go ahead eventually though, following a spokesperson for St Edmundsbury Borough Council stating that the application has only been temporarily withdrawn due to some extra work being needed to fully understand the environmental impact of the expansion.

Bounded on three sides by Breckland’s Special Protection Area (SPA) and Breckland Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the are offers oustanding beauty, which many locals feel would be spoiled by the expansion.

Amongst those who raised concern, Natural England have hit back, suggesting further evaluation of how the council intend to protect the park’s rare plants, such as blue fescue ‘Festuca longifolia’ and the Dittander ‘Lepidium latifolium’, is needed.

Of the decision to delay expansion, the council’s commercial manager, Richard Hartley, explained: “In view of Natural England’s comments, the application is withdrawn with a view to resubmitting when we have a scheme that resolves all the issues.”

The creator of Fullers Mill Garden at West Stow, Bernard Tickner, expressed his worry for the “unusual collection of wildlife” at the park, as he feels as though the potential noise caused by the construction and existence of the caravan site could scare animals away. In fact, he wants the council to completely abandon the plans.

“I think it’s absurd for the council to apply in the first place. It’s in a special protection area of the Brecks,” Tickner said, after the withdrawal of the application.
Conservation planner at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, James Meyer, agreed with Tickner, saying: “We maintain our opinion that the application fails to demonstrate that the proposed development would not result in an adverse impact on designated sites and protected species.”

Meyer went on to explain that the land intended to become the new caravan site is semi-natural grassland within a rural landscape of forest and agricultural land, as well as wetland grounds, so the expansion of the park would have serious repercussions on the semi-natural habit of many of the local species.

Do you think the plans should go ahead? You are welcome to share your thoughts below, or in our CaravanTimes forum here.

New look Swift Talk launched following customer feedback

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by Megan Henderson

Swift Group launches new Swift Talk site and great new competitions

To mark Swift Talk‘s success and following member’s feedback, Swift Group has invested in updating the website with a fresh new look, enhanced features and better search facility.

The new site is also mobile friendly making it easier for members to access and use the site wherever and whenever they wish to. With over 14,500 members, Swift Talk has proved a remarkable success for Swift Group, the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturer.

Swift Group was the first in the industry to launch its own dedicated social networking website back in March 2009 and now, six years on, continues to be the only manufacturer to offer a social networking site of this kind.

For those that aren’t already familiar with Swift Talk, the website is packed full of features where members can liaise with the Swift team via the forums and ask for technical advice. Members can also interact with each other through publishing their own content including uploading and sharing photos and videos posting blogs and creating groups.

Since launching Swift Talk has not only grown to over 14,500 registered members, it has hosted over 19,000 discussions, shared over 4,700 photos and videos and been responsible for countless number of new friendships being formed.

Nick Page, Swift Group commercial director commented: “In recognition of the success of Swift Talk and how important it is to both our members and our business, we have invested in developing the website to enhance the user’s experience.

When we launched Swift Talk we had no idea of how or if it would work for Swift Group but today Swift Talk is an integral part of our business and it plays a significant role in us listening to our customers and developing our products and services.

“Swift Talk’s success is very much owed to the efforts and dedication of the Swift team that monitor the website and to the valued support and contributions of our many members,” Page continued.

To celebrate the launch of the new Swift Talk look, Swift Group will be giving away spot prizes over the next few months to lucky Swift Talk members. Prizes will include a free Motor Mover courtesy of Powrtouch, a free Caravan Cover courtesy of Specialised Covers and a free weekend break in a Swift Chamonix Holiday Home, kindly donated by Holgates, Silverdale Leisure Park.

Check back on Friday 24th July for more information about the Swift Talk Members Draw!

IAM highlights the importance of taking breaks during long journeys

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by Jessica Almeida

Research finds most drivers do not take breaks on the motorway

Around 65 per cent of drivers on long journeys feel like they do not need to stop and take rest breaks on the motorway. While 79 per cent of drivers will only choose to stop and take a rest if a motorway service area is located in a convenient spot on their journey.

These statistics come from a recent survey conducted by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) who surveyed 1,753 people earlier last month.

The poll asked to what extent is keeping hydrated and taking a break between long journeys important to drivers and, surprisingly, findings exposed how many respondents actually never considered taking a rest break to be important, unless they had a good reason to stop.

Research also revealed that while many drivers prepare for a long journey ahead of time, only 50 per cent of drivers will plan to make arrangements to stop at a service station, and only two percent don’t do anything at all in advance.

A preexisting driving simulator study carried out by Loughborough University revealed that even mild dehydration can be dangerous to drivers. The study compares the effect of a mild state of dehydration to the concept of a driver being under the influence of drinks and drugs, leading to the same errors that can be made by the drivers.

The IAM’s survey demonstrates that drivers do not prioritise their alertness while on the road because they do not take regular breaks on long journeys.

Other reasons why drivers do not consider taking breaks during a long journey includes deeming the price of fuel at service being too expensive, or stating that food, drinks and snacks at service station are overly priced.

For drivers who do say they have a reason to stop said they would only stop to use the toilet facilities. Over a third of respondents consider toilet breaks very important on long journeys, while 75 percent would go on more continental style picnics and toilet only rest areas across motorways and main road networks.

IAM’s chief executive officer, Sarah Sillars, said: “Where drivers avoid taking rest breaks at a motorway service station, simply because they want to reach a destination quicker, raise the risk of making several mistakes and being involved in an accident.”

Sillars stated that even though participants have expressed an interest towards self-serving picnic and toilet sites, drivers need to be reminded that it is important to take regular breaks every two hours at any type of service station.

She advised to take a bottle of water with you before commencing on a long journey, finishing: “Keep hydrated throughout and allow for some much-needed rest.”

What do you think caravanners? Do you find it’s important to take breaks, or do you hit the road and hope for the best? Let us know in the comments below.

Shaun the Sheep selfie competition could baaaaaag you a caravan holiday with Bailey of Bristol

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By Josh Budd

Bailey of Bristol launch sheep-selfie competition, with a long weekend away at Hillhead Caravan Club site up for grabs

Bristolian caravan manufacturer, Bailey, is launching an exciting competition, offering participants the chance to spend a long weekend away at Hillhead Caravan Club site within a luxury Bailey caravan, along with an assortment of Shaun the sheep goodies.

Bailey of Bristol are proud sponsors of the Shaun in the City Britsolart trail, a project by charity organisation, the Wallace and Gromit Children’s Charity, which has seen 120 statues of Shaun the sheep throughout Bristol, in an effort to raise money for sick children.

The Shaun in the City arts trail travelled to Bristol, after enjoying wide success in London. In partnership with Bailey of Bristol, Britain’s favourite sheep is now providing a wonderful caravan holiday for one lucky winner and their family.

The rules are simple: take a selfie with ‘Willow’ Shaun the sheep, located in Bristol, upload the selfie to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #BaileyShaunSelfie, and give @BaileyofBristol a like on Twitter and hey presto! You might be the lucky winner of a long weekend away.

Altogether, not a baaaaaad competition if we say so ourselves!

Campaigners urge park owners to camouflage caravans in Wales

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by Jessica Almeida

‘Paint My Caravan’ campaign claims white caravans spoil countryside views

Countryside campaigners are pleading with caravan park owners in Gower to paint their caravans brown or green to blend in with Wales’ scenic countryside.

The campaign, entitled Paint My Caravan, primarily targets the Gower’s coastline where around 3,000 caravans are currently placed.

Byron Davies, Conservative MP for Gower, agreed with campaigners, saying: “If planners brought in a requirement that, as caravans are removed, new ones coming onto the site cannot be white but must be these more muted shades, then the problem would be solved within a decade.”

He added: “This is a simple idea but it would work so I will be writing to planners to urge them to adopt it.”

Proposals for changes to be made have been met with opposition from Welsh park owners, who have indicated the cost of refurbishing caravans covering 70 square miles of Welsh coastline would be somewhere in the region of £40,000.

Critics have also hit back at campaigners, stating that it would be unreasonable to ask people to change their caravans promptly, but do concede ‘aesthetically pleasing’ caravans could be a 15-20 plan.

What do you think of the Paint My Caravan campaign? Do you feel campaigners are asking for a little too much?

Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 to feature caravan made entirely from LEGO

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by Megan Henderson

2015 Motorhome & Caravan Show looks to break Guinness World Record on opening day in October

It goes without saying that the national Motorhome & Caravan Show never fails to impress with a large variety of leisure vehicles on display, but this year aims to offer much more, including a Guinness World Record attempt.

Show organisers plan on building the world’s largest LEGO brick caravan, which looks set to be unveiled on Tuesday 13 of October, the opening day of the 2015 Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

Requiring 150,000 individual LEGO bricks to bring the life-sized model to life, the LEGO caravan will include a full interior, complete with working electric lights, a sink, simulated cooking facilities, a bed and seating allowing people to get inside. There will also be a special guest laying the last few LEGO bricks to complete the caravan opening morning.

So, how exactly does a life-size lego caravan get snapped together for the show?

A team of eight professional LEGO builders will set to task, putting in over 1,000 man hours to complete the caravan. The team will be using a modern T@B 320 RS ‘teardrop’ caravan as their model, which will rest directly beside a real T@B 320 RS caravan for comparison. The two caravans will be parked as part of a feature area in Hall 12.

“We wanted to create something unique and truly exciting to celebrate 130 years of leisure caravanning and I can’t wait to unveil our, hopefully, Guinness World Record breaking, LEGO brick caravan at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015,” James Bissett, Marketing Campaign Director for NCC Events, organisers of the Motorhome & Caravan Show said.

“The LEGO brick caravan will go on to support the Freedom to Go campaign, which is all about bringing new people into the caravan market and challenging perceptions they may have,” Bissett continued.

“The Show will be the first place to see our LEGO brick caravan and we believe it will be a fantastic attraction for our visitors as something like this has never been done before anywhere in the world,” Bissett said.
The entire project will be filmed and photographed from the very start to the end in line with Guinness World Record attempt guidelines. The Motorhome & Caravan show will be posting regular updates of the caravan’s progress on their website and social media. Excited viewers can look out on social media for the hashtag #legocaravan in order to receive updates.

This year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show promises to be the biggest and best yet, offering visitors the opportunity to grab show only deals, take advantage of product demonstrations, free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons and also enabling the opportunity to see all of the latest offerings across the entire leisure vehicle industry.

Ticket prices for the show start at just £7.50 and kids get in for free, so what’s to stop you going along? To book your tickets now, visit the 2015 Motorhome & Caravan Show’s website here, or alternatively call 0844 338 7799. We’ll see you there!

The Caravan Club lists top sites to celebrate National Parks Week

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by Jessica Almeida

Take advantage of The Caravan Club’s top sites

With the UK’s National Parks Week taking place from 27 July until 2 August this summer, there is no better time to getaway. And now, holidaymakers planning a Great British getaway can take advantage of The Caravan Club‘s top sites located in National Parks across the UK.

So, if you’re looking to get a slice of the action during National Parks Week, members and non-members alike can book their UK break at any one of the recommended Caravan Club sites below. Read on to find out where.

Maragowan Caravan Club Site For Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Located on the bank of the River Lochay in Scotland, the site is within comfortable walking distance of the popular town of Killin. Close by activities include golf, kayaking, walking and mountaineering, as well as cycling routes such as the National Cycle Route 7. Take a trip to Inchcailloch Island on the Loch and explore the area’s natural surroundings. A caravan pitch at Maragowan Caravan Club Site starts from £9.60 per pitch, plus £7.50 per adult and £2.80 per child per day.

Minehead Caravan Club Site for Exmoor National Park

Surrounded by the countryside, Minehead Caravan Club Site is just a 15 minute walk from the traditional seaside town of Minehead. Nearby attractions include Dunster Castle, breathtaking walks and the village of Taunton. The park also hosts a variety of free events throughout the week including the Flower Festival on 1 and 2 August. At Minehead Caravan Club Site a caravan pitch begins at £9.10 per pitch, plus £7.20 per adult and £2.50 per child per day.

Brecon Beacons Caravan Club Site for Brecon Beacons National Park

This site provides an ideal base for touring the Brecon Beacons National Park. Visitors can enjoy walking, climbing and mountain biking and the nearby Castell Carreg Cennen has been announced as a top panoramic photography site. The kids can enjoy podcast trails to discover the geology and waterfalls of the Park. There are many walks to choose from with podcasts ranging from 15 to 20 minutes and if you’ve worked up a thirst after all that activity, there’s a pub located 10 minutes’ walk away. A caravan pitch at Brecon Beacons Caravan Club Site starts from £10.20 per pitch, plus an additional £8.40 per adults and just one penny per child per day. Camping is also available from just £10.20 per electric pitch, plus per person fees.

Coniston Park Coppice Caravan Club Site for Lake District National Park

Set on 63 acres of National Trust woodland, Coniston Park Coppice offers a scenic holiday getaway. Nearby activities include water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, steamboat rides and boat hire. With different treetop treks suitable for ages five and older, Brockhole is a great place to get active. Visitors will find rope bridges, wobbly logs and a zip line wire from a 14-metre high treetop tower. At Coniston Park Coppice Caravan Club Site a caravan pitch starts from £9.70 per pitch, plus £7.60 per adult and £2.80 per child per day. Camping is also available from just £9.70 per electric pitch, plus per person fees.

Couple donate luxury caravan and raise over £1,000 for Halton Haven Hospice

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by Ellie Pritchard

Over £1,000 has been raised for Halton Haven Hospice after an open-handed couple donate their caravan

A generous couple have donated the use of their caravan to a hospice charity as part of a prize giveaway, raising a substantial amount in the process.

Tracey Jones and Adi Wildin gave up their caravan to be used as a prize in a raffle as part of a fundraiser for Halton Haven Hospice in Runcorn. The luxury caravan, used by the couple for family holidays and able to sleep up to six people, was given away as part of a raffle, which raised over £1,000. Other prizes included a three night stay at the Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park in North Wales this summer.

The duo were spurred to donate their caravan after being moved by help and care given to their relatives by Halton Haven Hospice.

Paula Mullin, head of Halton Haven’s fundraising, said: “The raffle was a great opportunity for everyone to be in with a chance of winning a break away, which in the economy we live in today is a much welcomed gift for families who can sometimes not afford to go away.

“The caravan’s usage had been kindly donated to us by Tracy and Adi who has very kindly given us usage free of charge with all money raised going towards the ever increasing running costs of the hospice.

“With support and generosity from our local community we are able to continue to provide our specialist kind of caring for Halton.
“Prizes like this don’t come along every week.

“With the couple’s blessing we were able to split the week long prize over two weekends so there was a greater chance to be in with winning this fantastic prize.”

It’s no surprise that the raffle raised so much money – tickets to win the lavish caravan were on sale in all hospice shops and the Halton Haven reception, as well as being sold by kind members of the public.

Swift featured on Sunday Times List

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by Joe Jeffrey

UK caravan manufacturer ranks impressively on Sunday Times HSBC International Track Table

UK leisure manufacturer, Swift Group, has ranked 95th in the sixth annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table.

The prestigious list, which ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest growing international sales over the last 2 years, has placed the Swift Group as one of only fifteen companies from Yorkshire to make the Track 200 league table.

During the last two years the companies listed have added 1,640 jobs and employed a total of 12,370 people. And, with 900 staff and a turnover of £200m, Swift are one of Yorkshire’s manufacturing success stories.

Swift have seen a 34 per cent increase in its International sales over the last couple of years and, as well as seeing sales increase in established international markets such as Holland, Belgium, France, New Zealand and Austalia, Swift has also entered several new markets such as Germany, Israel, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand in this time all contributing to its success. With Sweden the latest new market Swift are entering, with a new range of left hand drive Motorhomes (in Q4 2015), the future looks bright for this thriving company.

Nick Page, Swift’s group commercial director, commented: “I am absolutely delighted with our position in the Track 200 league table. In 2008 we realised the huge potential that existed in International markets. The Swift brand is extremely strong and represents our key business cornerstones for our products of Quality, Reliability, Well-Engineered and Best in class. This has translated extremely well internationally and there is an ever-increasing demand for all our products in all sectors.”

“The 2015 season looks even more encouraging with export sales just for one year exceeding £12.6 million, compared with the figures of £12.5million listed in the Track 200 league table for over two years, where Swift are listed in 95th position. So I am confident that in the next Track league 200 table, we will have an even higher listing!

He continued: “The business has a strong leadership team who all saw the value in developing the business internationally and over the last seven years we have gone from strength to strength. The Swift brand is now truly global covering Europe, Asia and Australasian markets, and we are currently assessing more international markets to enter in the forthcoming years.”

CaravanTimes extends its congratulations to all at Swift for making the list.

Caravan gives you an office escape in the wilderness

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by Megan Henderson

KantoorKaravaan is providing an office space far from the city

Have you ever considered turning your caravan into an office? Well now you’ll be able to if one innovative company has anything to do with it.

Company, KantoorKaravaan, sets up caravans in the wilderness so people may get away from the hectic city and relax while they get their work done. Each caravan comes stocked with WiFi access and a coffee machine, as well as other office amenities, so all workers need to bring is their laptop and a spirit of adventure.

The caravans are equipped to handle anything from one individual worker to a small handful, enabling companies who wish to work in the great outdoors to bring in more workers as and when required.

The KantoorKaravaan project is maintained by Dutch firm The Tipping Point. The company website even mentions that you should not worry about paying for the upkeep of the caravan, as there are ways to help KantoorKaravaan in order to reduce the amount of cash you have to pay.

Spec-wise, all of the caravans available for hire run on solar power, but also include full lighting and a biomass cooker for making food and hot water. The office caravans can also include a tent and mobile composting toilet if guests want to stay for a while.

The cozy little offices have already towed deep into the forests of Holland, but KantoorKaravaan and The Tipping Point hope to expand the operation to Sweden, Greece, Spain, and the US over time.

What do you think? Would you like to work out in the wilderness from your caravan?

Fire services provide advice for staying safe this summer

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by Jessica Almeida

Be safe on your caravan holiday this summer and follow these tips

The summer months are here and it’s pretty true that – despite the odd bit of drizzle – many people are enjoying the warm weather. However, whether it is caravanning, cooking, or travelling, one fire service is urging people to stay safe this summer.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with the Fire Kills campaign, has compiled a series of tips to ensure people stay safe and reduce the risk of fires while enjoying the great outdoors this summer.

BFRS Arson Reduction Officer, Andy Martin stated that a hot summer is what everyone hopes for, but unfortunately it can bring its own risks.

Martin said: “If you’re intending to take out your tent, ready your rucksack or get your caravan back on the road, you should go armed with some safety advice before heading for the great outdoors.”

For those who intend to camp outdoors, the fire service have also urged caravanners to leave at least six meters spacing between their caravans and tents and to pitch up away from parked cars in order to reduce the risk of fire spreading.

Meanwhile, if you are cooking, caravanners have been warned to keep appliances away from awnings and tent walls and never cook inside a small tent or near flammable materials or long grass. It is also important to not use candles or smoke in or near a tent.

In case there of fire, people should be able to know how to escape from their leisure vehicle of tent, whilst, for those who plan on taking their caravans out, it is important to make sure you have a working smoke alarm and take extra precautions while cooking.

The fire service also advised that people make sure they remove any litter and rubbish near to the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading and to make sure their caravans are well ventilated.

For those who plan on having open fires, people should make sure they’re downhill and at least 10 meters any flammable materials. It is also important to never leave fires unattended. Further advice included building a stack that will fall inwards whilst a fire is burning and to always make sure it is fully extinguished after use.

Although most of these tips are common sense, it’s always good to have a reminder before you set off on your summer holiday.

Controversial caravan site gets go-ahead

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by Ellie Pritchard

Farmland that doubles as a buffer between Ingoldmells and Addlethorpe will open as a caravan site, equipped with a play area, a clubhouse and even a fishing lake

Members at an East Lindsey planning committee meeting have approved Skegness Water Leisure Park‘s controversial plans to convert farmland into a 45-pitch caravan park.

The decision, which has irked two local parish councils, who have strongly opposed the notion, has also been struck a chord with local residents, some of whom will be living right next door to the new caravan park despite protests.

Councilor Sid Dennis, who is in favour of the site, insisted: “This will be a quality development by a quality company – Skegness, Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards are all about tourism.”

At first, the committee came to a tie, with five votes both for and against the new caravan site, along with two abstentions. However, during a re-vote, chairman and councilor Neil Cooper, voted in favour of the application, which had already been suggested for approval by officers.

“It’s a fine balance between preserving the buffer and the economic benefits of tourism development,” said Cooper.

John Chappell, while representing Skegness Water Leisure Park, was adamant the the new caravan park would be “tranquil” owing to the company’s attempt to environmentally enhance the farmland with the planting of various trees and shrubs. It has also been said that as many as 20 jobs will be created during the development of the park.

Councilor Jim Swanson agreed with Chappell, stating that “a few more caravans aren’t going to harm things.”

Before the meeting on Thursday, ward representative councillor Colin Davie, though not a member of the planning committee, made his opposition to the park clear, did disapproving of bringing tourism into the open countryside west of the A52. However, he has expressed respect for Skegness Water Leisure Park.

The successful applicants have been given one condition though: no caravans will be allowed on site until 2018, which will leave time for the foliage to grow in order to block the site from the view of neighbouring residents.

How would you feel about living next door to a caravan park?