People who's site fees are due in January will also find the fees have been increased to cover the extended season. So either they have charged you £595 for November and December or you are paying twice for January and February. So in conclusion it seems that people are being overcharged by between £300 & £595. Every caravan owner should demand a refund!

Why are Golden Sands charging me twice for the same service? My contract is from 1st October till 30th September. So when I pay my site fees in October and april this will cover the period of Oct 2009 to Sept 2010. But I have already been charged £595 for this years extended season, So they ARE charging me The extra payment twice!!

Most of these cases have been featured in the media. Red rebel mentioned the links to a couple of them earlier. It is because of these cases that I asked the original question.

Hi conniff, When Robert Taylor damaged a bungalow and two cars with a digger, I like most others thought he was off his trolly. Since his release I have heard his side of it and I can see his side of things. But I cannot condone his actions. This case was in Essex. Seven men were Convicted of Arson, Blackmail and /or conducting a campaign of terror on a site in Bromsgrove Worcestershire. The same site owner is involved with 10 or more sites even down as far as the Isle-of-White. I have heard of reports from Heysham in Lancs. Rhyl in North Wales. Hunstanton in Norfolk.

Just how widespread is this problem? And how can we combat it?

mjw0161 http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/caravanownersforum are looking for people to relate their experiences with site owners. (good or bad). A fie on this site is worth reading It shows what we are up against,but it also shows what is possible to achieve. Do not rely on the link above type it in your self with no spaces.

My gripe with G/S is that they make rules and allow some people to ignore them, While others are expected to abide by them. I like to be told the truth, ie increasing site fees to run the site for an extra 4 months, then spending the money on entertainment, Is not honest! My other complaints are common to most other sites aswell. So moving would only delay the inevitable confrontation. I have been happy on the site for many years and hope to be again for many more. I am not against progress, and would welcome changes that really improve the park. But I honestly have not seen any SUCESSFUL changes yet. sorry got to go.

Thank's

Happyowner, How can I get on to the BH & HPA web site?

Happyowner, as you obviously have your licence agreement to hand, could you post it as steven4064 has requested?

Unfortunately most of us are not computer litterate, we are slow,struggle with typing and spelling. we may not have the equipment or the Knowledge to scan - edit - and attach files. The antagonists know that the bait will be taken by somebody. Their sole purpose seems to be to disrupt or destroy this thread. They have many questions but NO answers. I am guilty of taking the bait. even though I try to resist.

Why did Winkies Get rid of you ? just a thought!

Typical is this your way of saying "no comment" In the last ten years I have never seen so many empty bases on this site as there are now. And does the fact that you new owners are paying more than the rest of us crack you up as well

Bit optermistic arn't you fill all the other empty bases first

Way off the mark, happy as larry There is more than one person who disagrees with you

oooooop's sounds like an unhappy larry There are people who sound similar even down to their names.

Happyowner Glasses caravan price guide. (The Book they always refer to when they are buying vans back). Says the guide price of a Willaby Boston double unit is under £55,000. G/s price for it is £79,900. reduced from £89,900. The site running costs are paid annually by the caravan owners and have no bearing on the cost of the caravan. So blatent profiteering is the problem!

Hi happyowner, OFT's Guidance on un fair terms in holiday caravan agreements dated September 2005. Section 3.4. Quote :- In 1983 we agreed a voluntary code of practice with NCC & BH & HPA. and they jointly promote a model pitch licence. It was reviewed in 2001 and I quote :- With effect from 31st December 2001 we withdrew support from all 42 existing codes. Hence the need for the document mentioned above.

Hi steven4064, I believe all sites are similar. That is why I chose to make a stand here, and not to move to another site. May be trading standards won't act on the odd complaint. They may need a few similar complaints on the same subject or site before they take action.

Hi Steven4064, If you want to buy a caravan on this site, you have to buy through the camp. They no longer deal with the "Local Traders." Any van you see on LLoyd's or Kellets. is £10,000 dearer on Golden Sands. They are now sole agents. The first thing they did was to remove all the prices from the vans "for sale" When I enquired about part exchange, I was told they would take my van and £xx,xxx but no information on the cost of the van or on the allowance for my van. Even though the code of practice they issue. outlines the commision to be paid by the vendor, NO person has successfuly conducted a private sale through this company. They do advertise guranteed acceptance finance. but I have had no dealings with them So i cannot comment.

I feel I have to say this in case the thread gets closed down. If new owners on Golden Sands compare their site fees with neighbours on old contracts they will find that they are paying between £900. & £1200. more. Depending if their pitch is Regular, Premium or Premium +. I have never met a caravan owner who is happy to pay more than his neighbour for the same facilities. May be they dont realise they are being ripped off! As I said dont take my word for it go compare Simples!!!!!!!!!!

Not only August but July as well, With the reduction in parking spaces I was dreading the 6 weeks but there has been plenty of room. if you include the number of vans for sale that are occupying bases and the empty ones it really is unpresidented. Ive never seen it so quiet.

Hi catcher. [edit - I already covered these points in my post above - it does not need saying again] The survey was about a 10 month season. and no results were published. happyowner has stated that all the facilities are open for the full 12 months. Not true. only week-ends in winter! what will the people who rent their van do when they can't get tickets for any party evenings that occur while they are there.

To catcher very astute. I think you are correct. about irelandissuperman and sticking to the thread. did anything happen at the second breakfast meeting that is likely to help our cause?

do you remember in post 186 I asked you about the code of practice and mentioned the re-sale of your caravan? Well many people who wanted to sell privately have been told that if their van is up for sale they will have to move it off. and were quoted rediculess disconnection and removal charges. and eventually sold their vans to the camp for a pittance. That is why people can't or won't move off. if they stay they may have to pay £595. if they go they will lose thousands. Surely you can see that.