Latest news with #SWNS
The Irish Sun
14 minutes ago
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Massive solar storm could wipe out internet, phones & power grids TOMORROW as rare ‘severe' warning issued
A RARE "severe" warning has been issued for a massive solar storm due to arrive at Earth tomorrow. The storm risks causing major disruption to internet, phone signals and power grids. Advertisement 3 Illustration of a coronal mass ejection impacting the Earth's atmosphere. Credit: Getty - Contributor 3 Graphic visualisation of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Credit: SWNS 3 An image of the sun Credit: SWNS The warning has been put in effect by the Space Weather Prediction Centre. It comes after a coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun yesterday evening. The authority says it will likely lead to "immediate geomagnetic disturbances". A statement says: "Confidence in an Earth-arrival component to this CME is good. Advertisement "However, timing and intensity are more uncertain. These watches represent potential based on our best analyses. "We will not know the true nature of this CME's geomagnetic storm potential until the CME arrives at our solar wind observatories located 1 million miles from Earth. "Upon arrival at those spacecraft, we will know the magnetic strength and orientation that are very important to what levels and duration of geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to occur. "As always visit our website for the latest information and updates." Advertisement Most read in Uncategorized Exclusive The Space Weather Prediction Centre adds that impacts to technological infrastructure are "possible" but could be mitigated. Its impact might also mean the aurora could be visible in the northern half of the United States. This could be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. What are geomagnetic storms? The Met Office defines geomagnetic storms as "disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field caused by solar activity" It lists potential physical impacts as: Geomagnetically induced currents affecting power lines and pipelines Increased ionisation that can affect radio signals Thermosphere heating, which can expand and affect satellite orbits Technological impacts might include: Potential power grid blackouts during severe events GNSS and HF communications, such as GPS signals Satellites, through surface charging and increased drag Spacecraft operations as a result of radiation and signal interference The CME erupted from the Sun on the evening of May 30 and is expected to arrive at Earth on June 1. Advertisement The "severe" storm watch is in effect through to June 2.
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Lost Alan Turing papers set to fetch £150K at auction
The incredible archive was found gathering dust in an attic in Bermondsey, London, after its owner moved into a care home and her daughters began clearing out her loft. Among the documents which were nearly destroyed was a personal copy of the mathematical genius' PHD dissertation from 1938-39 and his first published paper from 1935. The papers, known as "offprints", had originally been gifted by Turing's mother, Ethel to her son's friend and fellow mathematician Norman Routledge. They were produced in very small numbers and distributed within academia, making them "incredibly scarce" survivors that rarely ever appear on the market. The documents were nearly destroyed. (Image: SWNS) The collection is now expected to sell for between £100,000-£150,000 when it goes under the hammer at Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffs, on June 17. Turing was one of the famous codebreakers at Bletchley Park who played a vital role in cracking the Enigma code, which led to Allied victory in World War Two. Despite helping to shorten the war by an estimated four years, on March 31 1952, he was prosecuted for homosexual acts and died from cyanide poisoning on June 7, 1954, aged 41. Shortly before pleading guilty, Turing sent a poignant letter to Norman Routledge, the original owner of the papers being sold. The letter, known as 'Yours in distress', was read by Routledge when he appeared in "The Strange Life and Death of Dr Turing" on the BBC's Horizon in 1992. It has also since been read by Benedict Cumberbatch after it was presented by Routledge to King's College, Cambridge, where it now resides in The Turing Archive. The collection is expected to make £150k. (Image: SWNS) But he kept the collection of Turing's offprints, which were eventually rescued by his nieces and nephews. One of the nieces explained: 'Following his retirement from Eton College, Norman bought and lived in a house in Bermondsey. "When he died in 2013, two of his sisters had the unenviable task of sorting through and emptying the contents. "There were lots of personal papers which one sister carted away and stored in her loft. The papers lay dormant until she moved into a care home almost a decade later. "Her daughters came across the papers and considered shredding everything. "Fortunately, they checked with Norman's nieces and nephews because he'd always been a presence in our lives. The papers were saved by Turing's friend, Norman. (Image: SWNS) Adding: "One cousin felt the Turing and Forster papers might be of interest to collectors. "After taking them home for a closer look, she decided to attend a local valuation day hosted by Hansons Auctioneers, who consigned them for research with their specialist saleroom, Rare Book Auctions. "We were bowled over by the valuations and level of enthusiasm.' The collection includes his PhD dissertation from 1938-39, Systems of Logic Based on Ordinals, which is signed by Turing, having been his personal copy. This document alone has been valued by the auction house at £40,000 to £60,000 as has his 1936-37 paper entitled On Computable Numbers. The paper introduced the world to the idea of a 'universal computing machine', which, despite the model's simplicity, is capable of implementing any computer algorithm, and has been described as the first programming manual of the computer age. The papers have been checked by experts. (Image: SWNS) Jim Spencer, director of Rare Book Auctions, who is more famed for finding Harry Potter first editions, described the collection as "the most important archive I've ever handled.' He said the exchange of offprints had historically been a method of correspondence between scholars and is prized by collectors as representing the first separate edition of an important work. He added: 'Nothing could've prepared me for what I was about to find in that carrier bag. "These seemingly plain papers-perfectly preserved in the muted colours of their unadorned, academic wrappers - represent the foundations of computer science and modern digital computing. "Literature has always been my forte, not mathematics, so the past few months of intensively researching and cataloguing these papers has left me feeling that Alan Turing was superhuman. The collection includes letters. (Image: SWNS) "For me, it's like studying the language of another planet, something composed by an ultra-intelligent civilisation." The collection also includes The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis, which dates from 1952, and is Turing's lesser-known masterpiece of mathematical biology. It has since become a basic model in theoretical biology, describing what have come to be known as 'Turing patterns'. Mr Spencer said: 'As recently as 2023, a study confirmed Turing's mathematical model hypothesis as outlined in The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis. "In this way the papers are still alive. They're still relevant and groundbreaking. 'We even have Turing's first published paper from 1935 – Equivalence of Left and Right Almost Periodicity – which is simply a single sheet of paper. The collection is set to get interest from around the world. (Image: SWNS) "And the provenance couldn't be better. The archive was gifted to Turing's friend and fellow mathematician Norman Arthur Routledge (1928-2013) by Turing's mother Ethel - and we have her handwritten letter explaining this." In the letter, dated May 16, 1956, Ethel Turing says: 'I have to-day sent by registered post 13 of Alan's off-prints...I don't know what people in Cambridge thought of the manner of Alan's death. "I am convinced it was accidental as the experiment of coke under electrolysis – which smelt of cyanide had been going on for weeks – I feel sure he got some of this on his fingers & so on to the apple he customarily ate in bed...I have had some requests to write a biography of Alan...I have masses of material because from the time he was about 6 I spotted a winner – despite many detractors at school – and kept many papers about him.' Mr Spencer added: "This fascinating letter is a golden thread that neatly ties up and seals the authenticity of everything being offered. "The potential value compels us to offer the papers individually. The price is unknown and could run to any amount. Recommended Reading 'Anything with a direct connection to Turing is highly desirable and almost impossible to find. "These papers were owned by his close friend Norman, having been gifted to him by Turing's mother. That's what makes this collection so significant. 'Hardly anything like this appears on the open market, so predicting hammer prices is fortune-telling." Adding: "I suspect interest will be strong in Silicon Valley – where Turing's influence shines brightly – but it would be lovely to see material acquired by institutions who could share things with the public."
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Meet Britain's 'smartest' siblings who joined Mensa
Twins Krish and Keira Arora, from Hounslow, London, became members of the highly exclusive society just six months apart. Krish took the IQ test in November at the age of 10, after he was inspired by his role model Young Sheldon - the main character in the Big Bang prequel series. He scored a mind-boggling 162 - a result which makes him smarter than Albert Einstein, who is believed to have had an IQ of 160. Meanwhile, Keira decided she wanted to give the Mensa admission a go after seeing that her brother had been accepted. Krish is smarter than Albert Einstein. (Image: SWNS) She became a member this May at the age of 11, thanks to her impressive score of 152. Only people with IQs in the top 2% of the global population qualify for Mensa. Krish said: "I was ecstatic when I got my result. Really, really happy." Keira added: "I wanted to try the test once Krish got his results. I felt a bit of pressure but I was pleased when I did it." Krish is a maths whizz and recently taught himself the Year 9 syllabus in just 22 days, despite only being in Year 6. In his spare time, he enjoys robotics and coding, and reached Grade 8 piano after just two years of playing. Both siblings are part of Mensa. (Image: SWNS) Keira on the other hand loves English, poetry, and music - and is the lead singer of her school band. At the age of 11, her favourite book is Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre - and she recently wrote a poem from the perspective of an AI tool. Krish said: "My maths teacher gave me the syllabus for Key Stage 3 and I taught myself. "I don't want to go too far ahead though, such as into GCSEs and A-levels, because I want to stay with my friends." Keira agreed. She said: "I don't find school academically challenging, but I still enjoy going as I get to spend time with my friends." The genius duo will in September be starting secondary school, with Krish headed off to elite grammar school Queen Elizabeth's and Keira beginning her studies at highly-selective Tiffin Girl's School. Keira starts secondary school in September. (Image: SWNS) Keira said: "I'm a bit scared because I've always been with Krish. But I'm also a bit relieved because it gets a little competitive." Although they are only just starting Year 7, Krish and Keira already have big plans for their futures. Krish said: "I want to study maths at Cambridge and then do something maths-related, like an actuary." Keira said: "I want to study English and Law at Oxford, and then become a commercial lawyer. "I think it will suit me because I'm good at negotiating, like with Krish over the TV remote." Parents Mauli and Nischal, who between them have degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and business administration, admitted that there were some early signs of the twins' intelligence. The two hope to go to Cambridge and Oxford. (Image: SWNS) Mum Mauli, who is a senior manager at an IT company, said: "We noticed earlier with Krish. His reading speed was far beyond his age and his spelling was very accurate. "When we'd put on YouTube for him, he'd be watching maths tutorials - and by the age of four he was doing complex divisions. "He also had a lot of patience. It's rare for a four-year-old to sit still and do maths equations for half an hour. "With Keira, she was such a lively and playful child that we didn't really notice until later. "But with her 11+ exams, we noticed her approach to complex questions - and then she started getting feedback on her writing. "Teachers say she already writes like an author. She puts such emotion into her stories. It's well beyond her age." Mauli said that she and dad Nischal, who used to be a management consultant but is now a private landlord, are very proud of their kids - although admittedly a little shocked by how everything has unfolded. She said: "We're quite speechless a lot of the time about everything. "It does put pressure on us as parents as we want to make sure we keep exposing them to things that interest them. "But it's amazing for them as when we took them to their Mensa exam, they were the only kids. Everyone else was an adult. "No one else in the family is a member of Mensa - and we're not interested in taking the test. Recommended Reading "Imagine if we didn't pass! "I'm not as brave as Keira was - trying after Krish got accepted." This July, Krish and Keira are heading to their first Mensa event - where they have been invited to meet with various admissions officers from Oxford and Cambridge University. Their other summer plans include games of chess and monopoly, which they admit get a bit "competitive", as well as a rewatch of their favourite film - the 'twin classic' The Parent Trap.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
War erupts in UK's ‘caravan city' as van-dwellers torch rival homes & turn hippy paradise into rat-plagued ‘no-go zone'
RESIDENTS who live near the UK's biggest 'caravan city' say the once serene grassland has become a no-go area overrun by warring drug dealers, council-tax dodgers, human waste and rats. Bristol has the highest number of van dwellers, believed to be a population of 680-700, and the majority are parked on the roads weaving around Durdle Down, known as The Downs. 14 A caravan was set fire to in February this year, and now Bristol locals say they have had enough Credit: SWNS 14 The charred remains of the torched caravan, with police investigating who is responsible Credit: SWNS 14 Caravan dweller Michael Freeman claims he was 'dumped' on the site by his landlord after being moved on from where he was previously Credit: Adrian Sherratt The sheer number of vans and the problems they allegedly bring has resulted in fury from residents and visitors, who are now locked in a battle to reclaim their once-tranquil 442 acres of common land. One claims it's reached a "crisis" point, with 'slum-letting' rife, drug-dealing and arson attacks on vans turning it into a "no-go zone". In February police and the fire service were called to the Clifton Downs where a caravan was in flames. Engineer Tony Nelson, 52, is a local resident who launched a petition on which has almost 6,500 signatures from 44 different countries. Supporters, calling themselves the Protect the Downs group, aim to force the council to clamp down on the five-hour parking restrictions, effectively pushing van dwellers out. Tony told The Sun: 'We feel it's a shame that such a rare and precious space is allowed to fall into massive disrepair. 'There have been van dwellers living here for a couple of decades, and we're quite proud of the fact that people have passed through and visited and stayed a couple of nights. 'But the council stopped enforcement a few years ago, and people have gone, 'That's a nice green space, I fancy living there' and 'I don't fancy paying rent anymore', or, 'I'm struggling to pay rent, so actually, I'm going to check out, and I won't pay council tax, and I'm going to go live in a van.' 'That has just proliferated and grown, and everyone's jumped on that bandwagon. What's gone from a couple of responsible van dwellers has ballooned into what I can only describe as a crisis.' The Downs, with its tree-lined streets and a view over the Avon Gorge, is used for educational visits, with Sir David Attenborough once calling it the 'jewel in the city's crown'. We live in 'Caravan City' - locals moan but it's too expensive to rent 14 Local resident Tony Nelson started a petition to have the council clamp down on parking restrictions Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 Tony says the rubbish dumped by van dwellers is attracting vermin Credit: Adrian Sherratt But now there's an underbelly of crime and filth, according to locals, who pay around £4,000 a year in council tax. Tony said: 'It's too scary, because there are people who don't want to be found by the police. We know there's drug dealing that goes on, there's fighting between people who do that. 'They burn each other's caravans down. They've said things like, 'We've got axes and baseball bats.' It's a frightening place. 'It's not a them and us situation, and a lot of people would be offended if they felt that they were being tarred with that brush, but we can't say that it's safe. They burn each other's caravans down. They've said things like, 'We've got axes and baseball bats.' It's a frightening place Tony Nelson, local resident 'There are elderly and single females who really don't want to use the Downs, especially at nighttime, because it's quite a scary place. 'You can't let your kids play in the bushes because it's full of human waste. "There are rats because of abandoned caravans and piles of rubbish. 'Children don't want to walk to school this way anymore, it's a long way round for them now, and it pushes around onto more dangerous roads. "This should be a nice, simple, safe cut through, but it's scary for them. 14 Tony claims the area is no longer safe for women and children at night Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 The number of caravan dwellers is now surpassing 600 Credit: Adrian Sherratt 'It's not just about the people around the downs. There are 30,000 people in the parishes that surround the downs. Most of those people don't have gardens. They live in flats. 'People want to come and use this space, and they're being denied that privilege because people think it's okay to come and check out of society, live here and not pay the council tax. 'Imagine if I quite fancied living in Kensington, what would happen if I just rocked up there in a caravan?" Locals also suspect 'slum-letting' is taking place, reporting a high-end silver Range Rover dropping caravans off to house outsiders in. You can't let your kids play in the bushes because it's full of human waste. There are rats because of abandoned caravans and piles of rubbish Tony Nelson, local resident On the sunny day The Sun visited, a Range Rover was parked between two empty caravans covered in tree seeds, suggesting it hadn't been driven in a while. Meanwhile travellers camped on the grass for a month until a week ago, churning up the land on their quad bikes and reportedly abusing residents who tackled them. A recent fire brought emergency services racing to The Downs when a barbecue lit by a group of students set fire to the crisp dry grass. But the permanence of the caravans is what concerns residents in one of the most affluent areas of the city. Passing through The Downs on a 10,500-kilometre cycle trip across Europe, retired headteacher Mark Ingram, 65, from Leicester, was shocked to see the number now lining the streets. 14 Cyclist Mark Ingram was shocked by the number of vans lining the streets on the Downs Credit: Adrian Sherratt 'I've come through Portugal, France and Spain. I've seen this in the news briefly but it's a stunning sight. I've not seen anything like this. I've been astounded. 'I feel for the residents and for the people living in these conditions, being hated by the people who live here. It's not good. 'We should look to Europe to see how to solve this housing crisis.' Some of the vans and make-shift caravans house professionals, including a maths tutor and IT expert, working from their converted vans, lorries or horseboxes. But many are vulnerable, suffering from mental health issues, homelessness and drug addiction. 'Slum letting' 14 Michael Freeman says being dumped on the Downs has badly affected his mental health Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 The council said it is working with police to address issues in the area Credit: SWNS Michael Freeman says he lived in his caravan in Warminster until he was evicted from the land it was on by the owner, who then towed him to The Downs and left him there. 'He told me I was going to live on a proper site, and dumped me here five weeks ago. I have no heating, no water and have to walk to town to find food," he explained. 'Being left here badly affected my mental health and to be honest, if it wasn't for my dog Bobby, I wouldn't still be here. 'I can understand why the locals don't like it - I don't even want to be here, I want to be housed. Being left here badly affected my mental health and to be honest, if it wasn't for my dog Bobby, I wouldn't still be here Michael Freeman, van dweller 'I am with the homeless shelter St Mungo's, so I can shower there, but it's not a great situation to be in.' But other van-lifers and residents think the Protect the Downs group is fuelling hatred. An anonymous van dweller said: 'Most of us keep ourselves to ourselves and keep the area tidy, put rubbish in bins and don't cause any issues, but we're all being tarred with the same brush. 'Groups like [Protect the Downs] fuel discrimination. 'I don't work because I'm neurodivergent, and a lot of the other people living here probably have some mental health issues. 'We're not stopping people visiting The Downs, and where else would we go? 'There are proper sites for van-dwellers, called Meanwhile sites, but they're pretty dangerous places and nobody would want to live there.' 'Ignorant' 14 The space is used by Bristol residents as well as the residents of the vans Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 Some of the van dwellers appear to have settled in for the long term Credit: Adrian Sherratt A local resident and member of the Protect The Downs Facebook group, who asked not to be named, said: 'The group poses as one that is fair and is only concerned with making the Downs a better place for all. "However the message so many of the members spread is one of hatred and discrimination towards those whose lives they don't understand, lives they won't even try to engage with. 'Just the other day Frankie Turton posted about a litter pick up the van dwellers do once a week asking if people would like to join. 'You would have thought those so keen to complain about the problems would be the first to join the pick-up, not one of them has volunteered. 'It would have been an ideal opportunity for everyone to get a better understanding of each other's points of view, but that isn't what the group really wants. 'The group wants to remain ignorant to the struggles of others and to a different way of life.' 'Robust action' 14 A pile of rubbish outside one of the caravans Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 Cops say they are patrolling the site to deal with issues raised Credit: Adrian Sherratt The group is currently seeking quotes from barristers as it intends to take the council to court if it does not enforce the parking restrictions. Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Committee, said: 'We understand that the current situation is not sustainable, and the council is taking a proactive stance on addressing issues. 'We know that we need to reduce the need for so many people to live in vehicles, and remain committed to increasing the number of well-built, affordable homes in Bristol so that people have a safe and secure place they can call home. 'People living in vehicles can experience poor health and other vulnerabilities, and our focus must be on finding sustainable solutions and support options. "However, if an encampment, or individuals within an encampment, start to have a negative impact on the area in which they live, we need to make sure we have a robust and clear policy for when we will take action.' An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: 'We're aware of public concerns relating to antisocial behaviour in certain parts of The Downs. 'We have frequent contact with partners, including Bristol City Council, and will continue to work with them over the summer months to tackle the issues raised with us. 'The Downs is an area of high footfall so our officers carry out regular high-visibility patrols there to help reduce antisocial behaviour, provide the public with reassurance and to act where any criminal offences may be seen. 'Anecdotal information around issues is useful to help shape our plans for dealing with issues in any area. 'However we'd continue to urge members of the public to report crimes to us, ideally while they are taking place, because that way we can take robust action and secure the evidence necessary to achieve a criminal conviction where the offence must be proven beyond all reasonable doubt.'
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
War erupts in UK's ‘caravan city' as van-dwellers torch rival homes & turn hippy paradise into rat-plagued ‘no-go zone'
RESIDENTS who live near the UK's biggest 'caravan city' say the once serene grassland has become a no-go area overrun by warring drug dealers, council-tax dodgers, human waste and rats. Bristol has the highest number of Advertisement 14 A caravan was set fire to in February this year, and now Bristol locals say they have had enough Credit: SWNS 14 The charred remains of the torched caravan, with police investigating who is responsible Credit: SWNS 14 Caravan dweller Michael Freeman claims he was 'dumped' on the site by his landlord after being moved on from where he was previously Credit: Adrian Sherratt The sheer number of vans and the problems they allegedly bring has resulted in fury from residents and visitors, who are now locked in a battle to reclaim their once-tranquil 442 acres of common land. One claims it's reached a "crisis" point, with 'slum-letting' rife, drug-dealing and arson attacks on vans turning it into a "no-go zone". In February police and the fire service were called to the Clifton Downs where a caravan was in flames. Engineer Tony Nelson, 52, is a local resident who launched a petition on which has almost 6,500 signatures from 44 different countries. Advertisement READ MORE REAL LIFE FEATURES Supporters, calling themselves the Protect the Downs group, aim to force the council to clamp down on the five-hour parking restrictions, effectively pushing van dwellers out. Tony told The Sun: 'We feel it's a shame that such a rare and precious space is allowed to fall into massive disrepair. 'There have been van dwellers living here for a couple of decades, and we're quite proud of the fact that people have passed through and visited and stayed a couple of nights. 'But the council stopped enforcement a few years ago, and people have gone, 'That's a nice green space, I fancy living there' and 'I don't fancy paying rent anymore', or, 'I'm struggling to pay rent, so actually, I'm going to check out, and I won't pay council tax, and I'm going to go live in a van.' Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Breaking 'That has just proliferated and grown, and everyone's jumped on that bandwagon. What's gone from a couple of responsible van dwellers has ballooned into what I can only describe as a crisis.' The Downs, with its tree-lined streets and a view over the Avon Gorge, is used for educational visits, with Sir David Attenborough once calling it the 'jewel in the city's crown'. We live in 'Caravan City' - locals moan but it's too expensive to rent 14 Local resident Tony Nelson started a petition to have the council clamp down on parking restrictions Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 Tony says the rubbish dumped by van dwellers is attracting vermin Credit: Adrian Sherratt Advertisement But now there's an underbelly of crime and filth, according to locals, who pay around £4,000 a year in council tax. Tony said: 'It's too scary, because there are people who don't want to be found by the police. We know there's drug dealing that goes on, there's fighting between people who do that. 'They burn each other's caravans down. They've said things like, 'We've got axes and baseball bats.' It's a frightening place. 'It's not a them and us situation, and a lot of people would be offended if they felt that they were being tarred with that brush, but we can't say that it's safe. Advertisement They burn each other's caravans down. They've said things like, 'We've got axes and baseball bats.' It's a frightening place Tony Nelson, local resident 'There are elderly and single females who really don't want to use the Downs, especially at nighttime, because it's quite a scary place. 'You can't let your kids play in the bushes because it's full of human waste. "There are rats because of abandoned caravans and piles of rubbish. 'Children don't want to walk to school this way anymore, it's a long way round for them now, and it pushes around onto more dangerous roads. Advertisement "This should be a nice, simple, safe cut through, but it's scary for them. 14 Tony claims the area is no longer safe for women and children at night Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 The number of caravan dwellers is now surpassing 600 Credit: Adrian Sherratt 'It's not just about the people around the downs. There are 30,000 people in the parishes that surround the downs. Most of those people don't have gardens. They live in flats. Advertisement 'People want to come and use this space, and they're being denied that privilege because people think it's okay to come and check out of society, live here and not pay the council tax. 'Imagine if I quite fancied living in Locals also suspect 'slum-letting' is taking place, reporting a high-end silver Range Rover dropping caravans off to house outsiders in. You can't let your kids play in the bushes because it's full of human waste. There are rats because of abandoned caravans and piles of rubbish Tony Nelson, local resident On the sunny day The Sun visited, a Range Rover was parked between two empty caravans covered in tree seeds, suggesting it hadn't been driven in a while. Advertisement Meanwhile travellers camped on the grass for a month until a week ago, churning up the land on their quad bikes and reportedly abusing residents who tackled them. A recent fire brought emergency services racing to The Downs when a barbecue lit by a group of students set fire to the crisp dry grass. But the permanence of the caravans is what concerns residents in one of the most affluent areas of the city. Passing through The Downs on a 10,500-kilometre cycle trip across Europe, retired headteacher Mark Ingram, 65, from Leicester, was shocked to see the number now lining the streets. Advertisement 14 Cyclist Mark Ingram was shocked by the number of vans lining the streets on the Downs Credit: Adrian Sherratt 'I've come through Portugal, France and Spain. I've seen this in the news briefly but it's a stunning sight. I've not seen anything like this. I've been astounded. 'I feel for the residents and for the people living in these conditions, being hated by the people who live here. It's not good. 'We should look to Europe to see how to solve this housing crisis.' Advertisement Some of the vans and make-shift caravans house professionals, including a maths tutor and IT expert, working from their converted vans, lorries or horseboxes. But many are vulnerable, suffering from mental health issues, homelessness and drug addiction. 'Slum letting' 14 Michael Freeman says being dumped on the Downs has badly affected his mental health Credit: Adrian Sherratt 14 The council said it is working with police to address issues in the area Credit: SWNS Advertisement Michael Freeman says he lived in his caravan in Warminster until he was evicted from the land it was on by the owner, who then towed him to The Downs and left him there. 'He told me I was going to live on a proper site, and dumped me here five weeks ago. I have no heating, no water and have to walk to town to find food," he explained. 'Being left here badly affected my mental health and to be honest, if it wasn't for my dog Bobby, I wouldn't still be here. 'I can understand why the locals don't like it - I don't even want to be here, I want to be housed. Advertisement Being left here badly affected my mental health and to be honest, if it wasn't for my dog Bobby, I wouldn't still be here Michael Freeman, van dweller 'I am with the homeless shelter St Mungo's, so I can shower there, but it's not a great situation to be in.' But other van-lifers and residents think the Protect the Downs group is fuelling hatred. An anonymous van dweller said: 'Most of us keep ourselves to ourselves and keep the area tidy, put rubbish in bins and don't cause any issues, but we're all being tarred with the same brush. 'Groups like [Protect the Downs] fuel discrimination. Advertisement 'I don't work because I'm neurodivergent, and a lot of the other people living here probably have some mental health issues. 'We're not stopping people visiting The Downs, and where else would we go? 'There are proper sites for van-dwellers, called Meanwhile sites, but they're pretty dangerous places and nobody would want to live there.' 'Ignorant' 14 The space is used by Bristol residents as well as the residents of the vans Credit: Adrian Sherratt Advertisement 14 Some of the van dwellers appear to have settled in for the long term Credit: Adrian Sherratt A local resident and member of the Protect The Downs Facebook group, who asked not to be named, said: 'The group poses as one that is fair and is only concerned with making the Downs a better place for all. "However the message so many of the members spread is one of hatred and discrimination towards those whose lives they don't understand, lives they won't even try to engage with. 'Just the other day Frankie Turton posted about a litter pick up the van dwellers do once a week asking if people would like to join. Advertisement 'You would have thought those so keen to complain about the problems would be the first to join the pick-up, not one of them has volunteered. 'It would have been an ideal opportunity for everyone to get a better understanding of each other's points of view, but that isn't what the group really wants. 'The group wants to remain ignorant to the struggles of others and to a different way of life.' 'Robust action' 14 A pile of rubbish outside one of the caravans Credit: Adrian Sherratt Advertisement 14 Cops say they are patrolling the site to deal with issues raised Credit: Adrian Sherratt The group is currently seeking quotes from barristers as it intends to take the council to court if it does not enforce the parking restrictions. Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Committee, said: 'We understand that the current situation is not sustainable, and the council is taking a proactive stance on addressing issues. 'We know that we need to reduce the need for so many people to live in vehicles, and remain committed to increasing the number of well-built, affordable homes in Bristol so that people have a safe and secure place they can call home. 'People living in vehicles can experience poor health and other vulnerabilities, and our focus must be on finding sustainable solutions and support options. Advertisement "However, if an encampment, or individuals within an encampment, start to have a negative impact on the area in which they live, we need to make sure we have a robust and clear policy for when we will take action.' An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: 'We're aware of public concerns relating to antisocial behaviour in certain parts of The Downs. 'We have frequent contact with partners, including 'The Downs is an area of high footfall so our officers carry out regular high-visibility patrols there to help reduce antisocial behaviour, provide the public with reassurance and to act where any criminal offences may be seen. Advertisement 'Anecdotal information around issues is useful to help shape our plans for dealing with issues in any area. 'However we'd continue to urge members of the public to report crimes to us, ideally while they are taking place, because that way we can take robust action and secure the evidence necessary to achieve a criminal conviction where the offence must be proven beyond all reasonable doubt.' UK'S MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO LIVE IN These are the top 10 most expensive places to rent in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics in 2024: London (£2,264 average rental per month) Bristol (£1,759) Brighton (£1,733) St Albans (£1,719) Oxford (£1,659) Cambridge (£1,647) Winchester (£1,338) Edinburgh (£1,343) Portsmouth (£1,265) Chelmsford (£1,252)
