People in caravans on Great Yarmouth seafront have to leave

Eviction notices have been served to people living in caravans along South Beach Parade, south of the Pleasure Beach.

The Direction to Leave Land notices claim the people living there are trespassing and have until 10am on Friday, January 5, 2024, to remove their vehicles.

John Smith has been living at the site in his converted former motocross race truck since March.

John Smith inside his converted motocross truck. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"I don't see why we have to move," he said. "People have been living along here for years. It's a proper community here and everything is legit.

"We're not in hiding, we clean up after ourselves and we're no bother to the police."

Mr Smith, originally from Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, said he chose to live in his truck after costs kept increasing at his former bungalow.

Two people living at the unauthorised site said people have been living there for years. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"I've got everything I want in here - a microwave, a shower, a TV and a wood burner. I keep this taxed and insured, and it’s all mine," he said.

"It will be a shame to keep moving about and causing a nuisance on roads and laybys when lorry drivers need them most."

People living in caravans and campervans have been told to leave South Beach Parade by early January. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council said: “Our officers have visited a number of locations in Great Yarmouth to service eviction notices on those occupying unauthorised encampments on public land.

"Throughout this process we have worked closely with partner agencies responsible for homelessness, including the borough council, under agreed protocols, to ensure legal procedures are followed.

"We cannot comment on individuals or individual cases, but we can confirm that all statutory responsibilities have been discharged by the county council.”

Ash has been living at the site since April and does not want to move. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)One of Mr Smith's neighbours, a Falklands veteran named Ash, said he does not want to move.

"I came down here in April and fell in love with the place," said Ash.

"We're don't keep scruffy caravans, and we're no bother to anyone. My whole life is in that caravan. 

"It’s just a shame."

The eviction notice on a nearby lamppost on South Beach Parade. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The Direction to Leave Land notice given to people living in caravans on South Beach Parade. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)