OWNERS of park homes have taken a step nearer to filling the gaps in legislation that has resulted in many of them feeling exploited - thanks to Lancaster and Wyre MP Hilton Dawson.

In a pioneering meeting on Monday (March 15) , held at Springfield House, Pilling, Mr Hilton brought Michael Ward, park owner, park homes representatives Keith Royles, Jon Forshaw and J Farrington, as well as Elizabeth O'Connor and Anne Birtwistle from Wyre Borough council together to thrash out proposals.

Mr Hilton, who also spoke at the annual conference of British holiday and home parks association in Edinburgh on March 10, said: "I know that park home living can be an excellent way of life, particularly for older people. But it is very clear from evidence submitted by park home residents across Wyre and all across the country, that there are real gaps in legislation which can lead to powerless people being harassed and exploited by unscrupulous owners."

The proposals addressed the need for a clear distinction between the terms caravan and park home and a written agreement between residents and owners before the buyer takes up residence.

In addition, the group firmly believes that local authorities should monitor and enforce licence conditions and that residents should be more aware of their own rights.

Mr Dawson said: "Park homes have a great future if we can get the law right and I think it's brilliant that local people from all sides have come together to produce constructive proposals.

"I will be passing these proposals directly to local government and housing minister Hilary Armstrong, so that they can be fed into a high level working party considering park homes legislation."

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