Concerns over camper vans

CHECKS are being carried out at Backwell Lake after reports the beauty spot is being used as an unofficial campervan park.

Residents have reported seeing camper vans parked at the lake at Station Road overnight during the past few weeks.

Some of the vans are understood to have stayed one or two nights – locals are reporting that one has remained parked up for over a week.

There have also been reports of the campers emptying their waste water and toilet contents into bushes and drains at the lake – which is home to a number of protected species.

There used to be signs at the lake warning people overnight camping was unauthorised.

It is understood that these were removed during recent work at the lake and are due to be replaced..

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Overnight camping is not permitted at Backwell Lake and we’ll be monitoring the area out of hours.”

Concerns have also been raised about catering vans using the site as a place to trade.