A passive-aggressive banner has appeared in a wealthy Bournemouth suburb, drawing attention to the contentious issue of caravans and motorhomes parking for extended periods outside homes.Around 20 'van dwellers' are stationed on a cliff-top road in Bournemouth, Dorset, with locals claiming that some are living in these vehicles full-time. The line of large white vehicles is situated directly opposite luxury flats, which command prices upwards of £1m due to their prime sea views.Residents say that it is unfair that the van dwellers are avoiding parking charges and that they are often parked there for months at a time.Concerns have also been raised about people feeling uncomfortable walking past the vans after dark.A petition launched in March, urging BCP Council to address the presence of the vehicles, has garnered hundreds of signatures.The passive aggressive banner saying that the council 'welcomes long-term van dwellers' (BNPS)However, a disgruntled resident has now taken matters into their own hands by erecting the 7ft by 10ft banner, which is tied to the side of a metal fence at Southborne Overcliff.“BCP Council welcomes long term van dwellers,” it reads.“Our beautiful cliff-top car parks are available FREE OF CHARGE ALL YEAR ROUND.”The banner also highlights the lack of toilet facilities in the area, but adds “don't let this put you off”, alongside a picture of bushes.It is a nod to claims made by residents of van dwellers emptying their chemical toilets on the cliff top.At the bottom of the banner is written: “Holidaymakers, beach users and local residents are kindly asked to find alternative parking.”BCP Council say they have now removed the banner as it was “placed without permission”.Motorhomes on the cliff-top road in Bournemouth, Dorset (BNPS)Lydia Mirco, a digital creator who saw the banner, said she had lived in Southbourne for over 10 years and long-term van parking had “always” been a problem.“It causes traffic and safety issues for people crossing the roads and it's very frustrating for people who live on the Overcliff roads.“Although I know people choose or sometimes don't choose van life, it's extremely inconsiderate for locals having to live with these vans outside the homes.”Ann Gerrard, chairperson for Bournemouth Beach Hut Association, said: “It's about time the council do something about it. It's appalling up there.“They have been there for years now and sometimes there are about 20 parked all the way along.“They have been seen to empty toilets on the cliff top and a few weeks ago someone was found dead in a van.“I have meetings with the council about it because of the beach hut association – we have mentioned it many a time.“It is unfortunate for the people who live in those flats and have to look out at that – it looks like an encampment.“And it is dangerous too as when they try and pull out on to the road there is no visibility.”The line of motorhomes and caravans stretches down the road (BNPS)The petition said that the clifftop road at Boscombe and Southbourne was turning “what was once a scenic, peaceful stretch of coastline into an unmanaged long-stay parking zone”.It read: “A growing number of vans, motorhomes, caravans and converted vehicles have been parking long-term along the Overcliff, often remaining for weeks or even months at a time.“Despite repeated complaints from residents, BCP Council has not taken effective action to prevent or manage this issue.“This is causing visible and measurable decline in the area.”The petition listed issues of obstructed views, reduced parking availability, visual deterioration of a premium seafront area, loss of community feel with many residents reporting discomfort walking locally.It said that residents were experiencing a “decreasing sense of value and fairness, especially while paying premium council tax”.It added: “BCP Council must not stand by while a premium Bournemouth neighbourhood declines.”A long-time van dweller says that residents 'don't own the view' (BNPS)Craftsman Wayne Willett, 61, who has lived for half his life in vans and does van conversions for a living, said that van dwellers were the victims of “spiteful” behaviour by residents who “don't own the view”.Mr Willett, who has stayed on Bournemouth clifftop in the past, said: “The unwritten rule is two to three days and you move on, but there are permanent vans there so I understand the grievance of people living in the houses.“However, they don't own the view and if they wanted an uninterrupted view they should pay more money for their property.“There seems to be spite towards van dwellers, most of whom do work but can't afford rents anymore.“I believe there are 300 of us alone in the BCP area, ranging from 19 years old to 80, single women too.“When people bang on our doors, break our wing mirrors or even slash our tyres, it is very intimidating.“People don't have money so this is not going to go away.”Cllr Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: “We have removed a large banner that was placed on the Overcliff without permission.“We understand residents’ concerns about presence of caravans and motorhomes in the Southbourne area.“Our goal is to ensure any future decisions on parking restrictions reflect residents’ views, support the local economy, and keep our coastline welcoming and accessible for everyone.“We are also considering a community pact across the BCP seafront that would establish designated safe parking areas with access to basic amenities for van dwellers so that all our residents can live safely and healthily.”