Servicing calls at CLs for Motorcaravans
Comments
-
The only material difference between a basic CL and an Aire would be a more durable surface and a drive-over grey waste. Neither need be prohibitively more expensive. The big issue for motorhomes would be location, location, location. As observed further up thread they are so often in the back of beyond and lend themselves neither to a few days stopover nor a convenient 'en route' overnight halt.
4 -
No idea on grey waste generally but most motorhomes have coped on CLs that I have used and I only use CLs with a durable surface.
As for out of the way, none were out of my way. Depends where you wish to be. If it is a seaside frontage then good luck with that.
0 -
That’s the very reason both could survive. Not all who drive MHs want to stay close to a City or town, hence why we love CLs. But in Winter, we like to explore towns more, so would welcome more basic stopovers in more urban areas.
We have never struggled to find a CL for a convenient overnight stop on our tours, but then we don’t tour using motorways and dual carriageways.
As for the “NC 500” type routes, quite frankly they smack of a lack of imagination to me. We have never required anyone to put together a scenic tour for us, we are quite capable of doing it ourselves, taking in glorious countryside, scenic views, and arranging our own stops.All the super routes have done is clog up beautiful places with box tickers, nose to tail outfits and a degree of folks not really taking in the full depth of what they are experiencing. We prefer to fully explore and experience somewhere and it’s culture.Local Authorities are struggling to deliver basic services to local communities, let alone think about what extras they can provide at the moment.
4 -
Local Authorities are struggling to deliver basic services to local communities, let alone think about what extras they can provide at the moment.
Unfortunately if we all followed that mantra we would achieve nothing. Local Authorities tend to compartmentalise their spending budgets so parking and tourism will have their own budgets. So there is probably room for manoeuvre within that budget. The difficulty is proving the need and judging the likely time for getting a return on any investment. It might be totally inappropriate for every LA in the country to start any sort of investment but there will be those in well known tourist areas where such an investment could turn a profit over a relatively short period of time.
Could CL's be the answer? I somehow doubt it. As CY points out most CL's are remote however brilliant their facilities. Where the Club might provide useful intervention is to encourage the likes of Stately Homes and other tourist attractions to consider the idea of overnight parking, either basic or more sophisticated. Whether that is done under the banner of being a CL or just general encouragement we would have to wait and see. I think what some have to accept is that the direction of travel is towards a more informal style of overnight stays. Whether people like that idea or not I think most would agree that if that is the way forward it would be better done in a controlled way?
David
2 -
Unfortunately if we all followed that mantra we would achieve nothing. Local Authorities tend to compartmentalise their spending budgets so parking and tourism will have their own budgets. So there is probably room for manoeuvre within that budget.
Yes LAs do compartmentalise their spending. They also reduce resources in some areas and move funds to another. Denbighshire are looking to increase rates by 4.5% and there will be others. Where do you think the spending will be aimed? Do you think that they will want to provide Aires when the existing tour facilities are struggling?
4 -
Most LAs are wringing their hands already that cuts to their funding has already made them trim down their spending, our LA has already said that covid has meant they have spent above what was budgeted for last year ,and it is not going to get any better in the future so more services are being"looked at"to see if savings can be made ,
0 -
I was thinking that most LA’s will be struggling to provide anything beyond basic statutory services to local residents after the pandemic. Most have taken a huge hit on parking income, and I well know that the none statutory obligations are always the first to be considered for budget cuts and outsourcing.
Where there is a huge reliance upon tourism income, it might be a feasibility study does suggest that outlay on providing special parking might be repaid over a short term, and that could push the odd LA into doing something, but I suspect it’s more likely to be an outsourced project, or purely private investor that delivers.
MH users will need to be seen as a visiting income bonus, rather than a problem for residents and LA’s more though. Sadly the latter tends to prevail more at the moment. Certainly in most areas.2 -
I think you are right In that LAs are so strapped for money for anything other than the basic services that by law they have to provide ,
It would have to come from an outside source ,on a lookout to make money out of what ever they do ,nearly all the facilities in our LA are run by outsourced companys,and they are now saying they cannot see how they can keep going ,without the LA dipping into their funds? to support them, it could also be as happens, a bit of "if you do not give us more support we are pulling out*
Like for example ,the car factories
0 -
Maybe one answer to the funding issue is to follow this example If half a dozen possible sites could be identified and if the LA's were at least prepared to listen it could be the way forward. I would be happy to make a small donation as I did for the scheme in the link although it's unlikely I would ever make use of those facilities. Perhaps the role of the Clubs could be to act as a catalyst in persuading Government or Tourist Boards to set up a small fund whereby LA's could apply for grants towards the cost. Once the initial cost has been met the LA would benefit from an additional income stream. One has to speculate to accumulate as the old saying goes
David
0 -
Perhaps the role of the Clubs could be to act as a catalyst in persuading Government or Tourist Boards to set up a small fund whereby LA's could apply for grants towards the cost. Once the initial cost has been met the LA would benefit from an additional income stream. One has to speculate to accumulate as the old saying goes
Grants are already available in the Highlands, I think from the Scotish Government. Money is also being injected into some towns in England for local improvement schemes..
peedee
1 -
The Grants in the Highlands are a direct result of the many complaints from locals to the over loaded NC500 at peak times
The same in England for areas that have problems as in Scotland
If the Visit Wales idea of the Wales Dragon tours catch on it will soon be a problem for them as well
1 -
Back to the opening post - how many CLs actually have grids and suitable drains for emptying Motorhome waste tanks?
0 -
Any disposal drain will do, Euro. It's easy enough providing you can stop within the reach of a hose.
0 -
You can submit your ideas for how to improve skills and transport, create new jobs and regenerate your local community here:
How will creating Aires for the benefit of relatively a few help with any of that PD?
1 -
Unfortunately many CL grey waste drains are located to suit existing pipework rather than accessibility.
0 -
I really can't see that an issue exists here at all. If needed I can perform the fresh and waste produces just like I did with a caravan if and when needed. Yes, I take up a little more storage space, but little weight, carrying containers for those visits to the service points but if it means staying at a favoured location I will. As they say, location, location, locations! What's more, our club is a touring club so there is no need for the dump service suggested in my opinion with 'our' club nor minimum nights stays!
2 -
Sorry, bit late with my edit. I guess the real gripe for some is the one night stayers but I'd like to remind folk that the club is not a single site, it is a network of sites across the land and a touring club to boot. What's the difference between a week's stay on one site and week's stay on several club sites. Non!
0 -
And many are hedges. Obviously all wouldn't be suitable, even in the unlikely event of CL owners being on board with the idea.
0
