We’d Never Have Spent £36,000 on a Caravan if We’d Known This!

Dispute Erupts Over Flooding Issues at Holiday Park

A couple residing in a holiday park in Meols, Wirral, is embroiled in a dispute with the management after claiming they are trapped in a caravan that is constantly affected by flooding. Alicia Mearns, 41, and her partner John Hayden, 48, invested £36,600 in their mobile home but now assert that it has lost its value due to various issues, including modifications made by John.

The Couple’s Investment and Concerns

Alicia and John initially envisioned their caravan as a secondary residence, allowing them to maintain a base near their jobs while also planning to purchase a property in Spain. Alicia owns a beauty salon in Birkenhead, while John runs a building business. Their search led them to Park Lane Holiday Homes, where they were shown a caravan priced at £36,600, which was above their initial budget of £25,000.

Feeling pressured by the salesperson, who indicated there was another interested buyer, the couple decided to go ahead with the purchase, pooling finances through bank loans and trading in their existing touring caravan. However, they claim that they received no formal contract or detailed agreement, only a basic confirmation of the sale.

Annual Fees and Flooding Issues

According to the couple, they were informed that the site fees would amount to £4,600 per year, which they were required to pay upfront. Shortly after moving in, they faced additional charges, which they found concerning. Their troubles worsened when heavy rainfall led to significant flooding on the pitch where their caravan is located.

Alicia expressed her frustration: “Every time it rains heavily, our pitch floods. The water can get so deep that it becomes challenging to enter or exit the caravan. As a mother of two, including a seven-year-old, this is particularly distressing.” John added that despite assurances that a new pump had been installed to alleviate flooding, conditions have deteriorated, with their pitch reportedly flooding seven times since they moved in.

The Attempt to Relocate and Devaluation Claims

In light of the flooding, the couple sought to relocate their caravan to a higher pitch, only to be quoted a fee of £1,400. They arranged for this move while they were in Spain, but were later informed by the owner that relocation was not feasible unless they opted for a more costly upgrade to a premium pitch.

Adding to their woes, the couple were informed that the caravan’s value had plummeted due to a new kitchen installation that John had carried out at a cost of £10,000. Alicia stated that they were told the caravan was “basically not worth anything” because of its age and the modifications made. They were also shocked to learn that the least expensive upgrade option would cost around £75,000—far beyond their financial capabilities.

Communication Breakdown and Ongoing Challenges

Despite their attempts to sell the caravan, the couple claims that management has been unhelpful. Alicia mentioned discussing the potential sale with a manager, only to be met with resistance. Their friends, interested in purchasing the caravan, were deterred after being informed that the ground rent would increase significantly due to the caravan’s age.

The couple’s attempts to move the caravan to another site were thwarted as well, with other parks refusing to accept it because of its age. Alicia lamented, “This is information that should have been disclosed to us prior to our purchase. Had we known, we would never have invested so much in a caravan with such limitations.”

As they continue to face flooding issues, the couple is left in a precarious situation. They have experienced electrical problems due to water damage, and essential appliances like the tumble dryer have been ruined. The ongoing pressure is compounded by the park’s insistence on a new lease that includes a ten-year age limit for caravans.

The Management’s Response

In response to the couple’s claims, a spokesperson for Park Lane Holiday Homes stated that while flooding has occurred intermittently, such weather-related issues are not exclusive to their site and mirror broader environmental patterns experienced across the Wirral region. They emphasised their commitment to maintaining safety and high standards for all guests and refuted the couple’s comments regarding their communication and the caravan’s sale.

They also pointed out that the site operates under a 19-page licence agreement, which is explicitly for holiday use, not residential living. Guests are free to explore other holiday sites should they wish to relocate.

The situation remains unresolved, leaving Alicia and John in limbo as they navigate their ongoing struggles with flooding, financial loss, and the limitations of their investment.