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Shocking pictures show a graveyard of abandoned and rotting vehicles in Bristol, left behind after "van dwellers" were booted out yesterday by a council eviction notice. The battered caravans and crumbling vans still line the streets near Clifton Down parkland, with many seemingly too dilapidated to move.

The area has been dubbed Britain's "van dweller capital" after hundreds moved there over the last five years. However, Bristol City Council has now evicted many residents, ordering them to vacate by the end of yesterday. The council was granted an antisocial behaviour injunction allowing it to remove lived-in and abandoned vehicles from certain roads after May 7.

While some vans have been driven away and a handful remain occupied, dozens now sit abandoned, creating what locals describe as a graveyard of rusting shells.

The council has vowed to help people move to "Meanwhile Sites," which are temporary plots of land designated for short-term use while they await future development. These sites are intended to provide a legal space for dwellers to park with access to basic facilities like water and waste disposal.

One van dweller, Martin Morgan, 39, who has lived in a caravan on the Downs for "four or five years," said: "It's stressful, all this is a nightmare. I don't see what the problem is.

"The ones that are left are actually the people who tidy up. Most of the vans were abandoned, the ones they've taken over the last couple weeks were anyway."

Mr Morgan continued: "I'm ready to go, I've made arrangements to get my van towed but nothing has happened yet. We're waiting to be taken to the meanwhile in Lockleaze.

"I'm unfit for work at the moment so I'm on benefits. I have no choice but live here. I've fallen out with my family and split up with my ex. The meanwhile site is my only choice, otherwise I'll be homeless."

Another resident, Jaz Devereux, 24, said: "Why are you moving us? We're causing no harm. I personally pick up all my rubbish. It's often uni students' rubbish, but it's blamed on us. The council have not been helpful and they have not offered me a spot at the meanwhile site. I have no idea where I am going to go, it's very very stressful."

Ms Devereux expressed fear for the future as the clearance continues. However, Tony Nelson, who leads the "Protect the Downs" group, objected to the idea of dwellers waiting for council assistance.

Mr Nelson said: "They can't just turn round and say 'oh the council haven't given me loads of money and solved all my problems'. These are grown-up people, they're adults. They got themselves there, they can get themselves out."

Mr Nelson added: "It's almost an act of social vandalism to be honest. I've been told that of all the people on the Downs-it was up to around 140 at one point-only five have sought help from the council. The vast majority are there because it's a lifestyle choice. We support lifestyle choices but don't do it in family parks."

According to Bristol City Council, the authority has worked with almost 100 people since launching the new policy. The council confirmed that four people have moved to meanwhile sites, four have moved in with family or friends, one has moved into a private rental, one into social housing, and five into emergency accommodation.

While the council continues its efforts, the remaining graveyard of vehicles serves as a stark reminder of the five-year standoff in one of Bristol's most famous green spaces.