Downs Child was 'contaminated with human faeces while playing in bushes'

A CHILD playing in bushes on the Downs was “contaminated with human faeces” and was at risk of going blind, according to a campaigner.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

Thousands of petitioners have demanded Bristol City Council take action on the longstanding problem of caravans parked on the large parkland.

Clifton Down and Durdham Down, in the north of the city, have become home to more than 100 people living in vans and caravans parked by the side of the road. More than 6,400 people have signed a petition, including over 4,100 from Bristol, urging the council to force the vans to move.

Because so many signed the petition, the issue was debated during a full council meeting on Tuesday night.

Leading councillors pledged to take action, promising new details of the plans this autumn, but asking for local residents to get “angry at the injustice of the housing system”.

Tony Nelson, who organised the petition, said: “A child playing in the bushes there was contaminated by human faeces and was at very high risk of going blind. Thankfully, only yesterday did we hear that they have turned a corner. They might not be so lucky next time. It’s the consequence of council inaction over the years.