'Extortionate' caravan park fee rise sparks anger

Disgruntled holidaymakers have branded a price hike imposed by the owners of a popular Scottish caravan park as being 'extortionate'.

Green Park took over the site at Silver Sands Leisure Park, near Lossiemouth, in the north-east highlands of Scotland, earlier this year.

One owner, who keeps her static caravan at the park, claims she is still waiting for an explanation as to why the site's new bosses have raised her fees from £1,600 this year to £2,800 next year.

The anonymous caravan owner fears such increases will drive away holiday makers who cannot afford the new prices.

"I think they want us out to make way for chalets," she told Scotland's Press and Journal newspaper.

The move could have an adverse effect on tourism at the picturesque seaside resort.
A couple from the Central Belt, whose charges have risen 74 per cent, voiced their concerns to the Northern Scot.

"We've had to watch elderly couples who have spent many happy years here, packing up because they can't afford the increase. People are having to sell up at a much reduced value," they said.

09/10/2007 17:02:54