Distraught caravan park residents fear they will be left homeless after being told without warning that they are being kicked out.
Some of them have lived at Elham Valley Holiday Park, also known as Goldpark Leisure, near Canterbury, for 10 years – but now they have been given just days to leave.
The residents of the 19 caravans include veterans, vulnerable people and children. Many were previously homeless, with the site giving them an address and allowing them to find a job.
But on Monday, “two men in a silver van” arrived and taped notices on the caravan doors, telling people they were trespassing and had to leave within 14 days.
Mark Leutert has worked at the camp, between Folkestone and Canterbury, as a caretaker for a decade and also lives there.
The 55-year-old told KentOnline: “I’m not going to lie, I’m bloody terrified.
“I’ve lost my job and my home.
“I haven’t eaten or slept since that letter arrived. “
He says he eviction notices have sparked panic at the site, which is located off the Elham Valley Road.
“All of these people aren’t here because it’s a huge joy to live in a caravan,” he added.
“They’re here because they have no way of financing a property.
“When this came, it did start to put panic amongst people, as you can imagine.
“We haven’t got anywhere to go – that’s why we’re here.
“Just imagine what would happen if all of a sudden 19 caravans had to hit the road.
“What would we do? Just park all up the street?”
The site was set up in 2014 by William Smith, but it was met with significant pushback.
Locals considered it a potential traveller site and campaigned against the proposals.
The scheme went ahead, with Mr Smith selling the land two years later.
It was passed between companies, with the most recent being Yieldcom Limited. In December last year, this firm went into liquidation.
The receiver appointed is FRP Advisory. Another company, Trethowans LLP – which was appointed by FRP and is acting on its behalf – issued the letters.
The holiday park was running on a lawful development certificate for the stationing of touring caravans for unrestricted human habitation.
But, unknown to the residents, the council revoked the site’s licence on July 18 due to “public safety issues and non-compliance from the previous management”.
These include “overcrowding, fire hazards and issues with refuse disposal”.
But Mr Leutert was left stunned when informed of the revoked licence by KentOnline.
“There are 46 pitches on this site and only 18 or 19 caravans, so how on earth they can say its overcrowded is beyond me,” he said.
“I personally take everybody’s rubbish to the tip, so I don’t see where that’s coming from either.
“We have been totally, completely and utterly left in the dark.
“I suppose it’s just where we stand in the food chain.
“We’re probably not considered to be particularly important.”
The eviction notices taped to the caravan doors read: “It has recently come to the receiver’s attention that you have been occupying the property without their knowledge, consent or authority.
“Accordingly, you are a trespasser and must vacate forthwith.
“If you do not vacate the property immediately, and in any event within the next 14 days of the date of this letter, we anticipate receiving instructions to commence possession proceedings against you without further notice.”
It also suggested residents seek independent legal advice if they are unsure what the letter means.
Mr Leutert says every tenant had been paying rent, which brings in about £9,000 a month in total, on time for years.
He claims that in early May, they discovered Yieldcom had folded when contractors came and took away equipment such as the lawnmower.
Not knowing who to transfer funds to, and with attempts to contact the company failing, those at the site say they have not been able to pay since.
He adds that they have had no contact from FRP Advisory or Trethowans LLP until they were told to leave.
Kaz Dines, another resident at the park, was also shocked by the eviction and the licence removal.
The 54-year-old said: “It’s happened so quickly that we’re petrified – for everybody and for us.
“We’ve got to find somewhere with our four dogs.”
Amanda Saunders, who suffers from COPD and type 1 diabetes, has been living at the site for two years, but is currently sleeping in her car after storms damaged her caravan.
The 53-year-old explained: “We’re all very anxious.
“Nobody down here causes problems. This is such a quiet site.
“Everybody gets on. It is like just one big family. If someone’s got a problem, then someone else can help.
“I feel safe. Now my safe space is going to be gone.”
Ms Dines added: “The main thing is the support network that we give each other.
“We welcome anybody in need. We’ve had guys in tents with nothing.
“It’s getting people back on their feet slowly.
“It’s a very spiritual site in that way. We love to help people.”
Reverend Stefan Thomas, from the Barham Downs with Adisham parish, regularly holds services and communions at the park.
He told KentOnline: “The whole idea is to look after the most vulnerable of people.
“You’ve got people that are literally and metaphorically living at the edge of society. You’ve got broken people, vulnerable women.
“It’s been a wonderful place in my time to help people to readjust, especially those who feel they’re off the grid.
“How do you evict them, and where do they go? And what does that speak of our society if we’re not looking after the most vulnerable of our society?
“I’m really hoping and praying that something good comes and stops the receivership demands of eviction in its tracks.”
The land is up for sale, with bids being considered until August 22, after which it will have a new owner.
Residents say they will not be moving out immediately as the notice insists, and have sought legal advice.
FRP Advisory declined to comment but confirmed they were appointed to take control of and sell the property to recover monies due to the secured creditor that appointed them.
A Folkestone and Hythe District Council spokesman said no current breaches of planning control were found on a visit.
They added: “However, a notice to revoke the site licence has been served due to public safety issues and non-compliance from the previous management – these include over-density of caravans, fire hazards and issues with refuse disposal.
“A new owner would be able to apply for a new site licence once compliance is met.
“All occupants have been provided with written advice, including contact details for advice agencies and homeless services.
“We know the risk of homelessness can be stressful – advice and assistance are available to all those who need it.”
Those affected can visit the council’s website or call 01303 853300 for more information and support.
