“We’ve come together because we love the Downs, but this wonderful green space relied on by residents from across Bristol is being misused, and that’s putting people in danger,”
“Children, the elderly, council workers and even emergency responders are being impacted, and the environmental damage is heartbreaking. It’s no wonder people are fed up when the pleas of law-abiding tax-paying voters are wilfully ignored.”
- Tony Nelson, Protect the Downs Chair
Press Release 29/04/25
New Community Action Group “Protect the Downs” Launches to Combat Safety and Environmental Crisis on Bristol’s famous Downs
In Bristol, UK a new grassroots community action group, Protect the Downs, has officially launched to address growing public safety and environmental concerns caused by Bristol City Council’s (BCC) inaction to clean up dangerous van dwellings and limit related anti-social behaviour on the protected Downs.
Driven by escalating risks to both people, pets and environment, Protect the Downs aims to hold BCC accountable for enforcing existing policies to ensure the Downs are preserved for legitimate and safe public use by families, walkers, athletes, educators, wildlife-lovers, and festival goers from all over our city.
Problems Prompting the Group’s Formation Include:
The dangers and damages to the Downs were highlighted at a recent public meeting organised by members of the Downs Advisory Panel at St Alban’s church on 24 March 2025, which attracted over 600 people, and since including:
Deserted and unroadworthy vans and caravans are a high fire risk to van dwellers and pedestrians, especially from exploding gas canisters.
Council inaction is emboldening increasing levels of anti-social behaviour frightening away families and other legitimate users.
Mistruths about the status of van-dwelling encampments are hiding the real plight of the truly homeless across the city.
The environmental harm from littering, human waste, generator fumes, unlawful wood-burning, asbestos etc, caused by permissive, ineffectual Council Leadership.
The probability that modern slavery and slum-letting are hidden by the scale of the spreading vans and caravans.
BCC’s stated intention to not clean up the vans and caravans.
PTD Demands:
This is a complex problem, and the van dwellers themselves agree that BCC’s inaction is a problem for them too. BCC’s must start demonstrating their fitness to lead by:
Removing deserted and non-roadworthy vans, caravans and related refuse.
Enforcing parking restrictions, including clamping and tow-away fees.
Limiting van dwellings to Parry’s Lane until alternative sites are established.
Establishing clear ownership for enforcing parking, driving and pollution control.
Providing clear answers on the scale of impact from van dwellings on the Downs.
Ensuring that Avon and Somerset Police are taking action to restore safety and security of the Downs.
Membership
Protect the Downs gathered over 1,700 signatures on their petition in under 24 hours and has nearly 700 members on their Facebook group but messages are shared far wider across many other neighbourhood social media groups. The group welcomes new members and encourages concerned residents to follow and support the campaign online. Protect the Downs is committed to respectful dialogue, inclusive community engagement, and lawful action.
About Protect the Downs
Protect the Downs is a community-led action group focused on restoring the Downs to safe, legal, and sustainable use. It advocates for environmental protection, public safety, and responsible governance through collective civic action.
© 2025 Protect the Downs