Chesterfield residents concerned huge disused caravan is turning area into a 'dumping ground'

A huge, empty caravan has been left on Eastside Road in Whittington Moor for the last two and a half months despite residents asking Chesterfield Borough Council to dispose of it.

Martin Barker, 60, who lives on Eastside Close, which connects to the road that is now home to the 30ft long disused caravan, first noticed the vehicle had been dumped there when he was walking his dog in April of this year.

Residents fear the area is becoming a dumping ground, as old tyres, car parts, smashed glass and broken windows are littering the side of the road.

The 60-year-old college technician is also concerned the disused caravan could accidents, as lorries regularly travel down Eastside Road, where the large vehicle now juts out.

Martin said: “It's causing vandalism, I'm surprised nobody has set fire to it actually.

"It's just an eyesore and it is a busy road.”

The college technician claims the council told him the caravan would be removed six weeks ago but nothing has happened since he complained.

Chesterfield Borough Council have said the vehicle is due to be removed this week, after the investigation process to find out who dumped the vehicle was slowed down by the Covid-19 crisis.

Martin continued: "We just need it moving, a lot of dog walkers go there and there's been glass all over the road.

"People have been smashing windows, ripping things off it and it's getting worse and worse.

"It's not acceptable for it to be left there and it's encouraging other people.”

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing Jill Mannion-Brunt said: “Our Environmental Protection team received a report of an abandoned caravan in Whittington Moor.

"The team are required to investigate this to try and find out who was responsible for abandoning the caravan.

“The investigation process, which is complex, has been impacted upon by the coronavirus pandemic which has led to delays in the removal.

"The vehicle is due to be removed this week.”

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