Vehicle dwellers Council chief in call for 'respect'

BRISTOL'S housing boss has called on people to show van dwellers "respect" as the council implements its new People Living In Vehicles strategy.

- 

Councillor Barry Parsons, pictured, urged residents to refrain from "discriminatory" language and harassment while the authority implements a fresh approach to the issue which attempts to balance support with enforcement.

Its homes and housing delivery committee this month gave the green light to a strategy based on offering welfare advice before moving to legal action.

It followed years of tension between those living in the vehicles and those living in houses nearby - particularly on The Downs.

Cllr Parsons said: "I would like to remind everyone to continue to show respect as we move forward, and refrain from using discriminatory language or other forms of harassment that could stoke up further tension. "We are all residents of Bristol, and we must show compassion and patience while we work to tackle this difficult situation.