Funfair caravaner camp out “not acceptable”

Tuesday 23 July 2019

Travelling funfair organisers who parked their theme park in a country field have attracted everything but amusement to parishioners by setting up camp in a manner deemed “not acceptable” by the Constable of St. John.

Several large camper vans and caravans arrived in the field neighbouring the Farm House Inn in St. John a week ahead of the funfair beginning in People’s Park, despite their owners not obtaining permission from the Parish or Planning before arriving.

Having set up in the field, the travelling funfair organisers were reported to be sleeping, cooking and doing their laundry at the site as well as using the facilities at the pub next door.

Constable of the Parish Chris Taylor confirmed to Express that the occupants of the field were the organisers of the annual Funtazia funfair at People’s Park which takes place around the Battle of Flowers every year.

The company also provides the rides for the Gorey and St. Helier Fêtes. 

Pictured: The campers set up near the Farm House Inn in St. John.

He first heard about the problem on Thursday morning, and described the situation as “not acceptable”.

“Obviously they can’t stay there unless they get the relevant permissions,” Constable Taylor said, adding that “Jersey law is very clear” on the matter.

A landowner’s permission alone is not enough to allow campervans to stay in a field – approval must be obtained from the Planning Department.

Pictured: The Constable said permission needed to be obtained from Planning.

Anyone bringing in a caravan, motorhome, campervan, folding camper or trailer tent to Jersey must adhere to several strict conditions whilst here including; staying on a registered campsite; not staying longer than 31 days; and displaying their travel permit in the vehicle’s window. 

The campers have now moved on to People’s Park, as the funfair there is due to open later this week, but, speaking this morning, the Constable said he was still keen to “get the full facts of what happened.”

He says he believed the problem arose because the group took part in the St. Helier Fête on 13 July. Unable to camp in St. Helier, the Constable said the problem was therefore “pushed on another parish.”

Pictured: The group have now moved to People's Park ahead of the funfair launching there this week.

The issue of increasing the provision for camper vans in the island recently arose in the States Assembly as part of Deputy Steve Pallet's proposals surrounding the Le Port dispute where coastal campers were facing heightened restrictions in the St. Ouen car park.

Anyone who doesn’t wish to take their vehicle to a registered campsite must apply for a separate permit, but even in this instance it cannot be used for “habitable purposes”.