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PRESIDENTS PONDERINGS.
COOKED TO ORDER
By Colin Packman. President of PHRAA. August 2011.
Not surprisingly, the first case dealt with by the RPTS (Regional Property Tribunal Service) revealed “suitable” restrictions that could have accounted for the delay in its introduction. Not only was it the case that any “unreasonable” behaviour of a park owner before an application was made by the resident would not be considered which, in virtually all cases, would have been a factor in the first place. Furthermore, that “the costs of any unqualified or unregulated legal or other representative “ which the Applicant (resident) had used, their costs of that service was not granted in this case, although an appeal could be lodged. The fact that a top barrister was enlisted is exactly what this Alliance (PHRAA) predicted; using a sledgehammer against a defenceless unwell lady of advanced years is, Yet again, an indication of the ruthlessness of this vile industry.
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NOW YOU SEE IT…. NOW YOU DON’T
By Colin Packman. President of PHRAA August 2011.
At the foot of a full page advertisement, in mid July, featuring a Kent holiday park, I noted the logo of the National Caravan Council, beneath it was the words “Holiday Park Fair Trader”. Never seen it before, and asked others ‘in the know’, who likewise didn’t know of its prior existence. So I rang the NCC to obtain details of this ‘new’ scheme. I was instantly told ‘it no longer exists‘. Wot, no fair traders running holiday parks? Un believable! Instead, I was Assured that the NCC is working with the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) to come up with new guidelines. Now where have I heard that word before? Ah, yes, that’s where there is no “burden” to comply withy any laws. ( “The burden of Legislation, and its impact on the industry remains the central issue of the Associations lobby on behalf of members”. Ros Pritchard, Director General, British Holiday & Home Parks Association Limited (BH&HPA) October 2002) fair play be damned!
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CAUGHT IN THE WEB
By Colin Packman. President of PHRAA. August 2011.
Just as a spider catches the fly in its web, so this whole industry is being caught up in it, as more and more embittered individuals and residents’ groups alike flock to the internet. Either they create their own websites, or link up with those already well established, to expose their own park owners aggressive behaviour. More power to to your collective elbows. This is, after all, the only truly effective weapon the thousands who are, or have been affected, can hit back. They have realised, as we (PHRAA) predicted, that the cost in terms of lost revenue that their errant site owners face, as a result of their belligerent attitude, is far greater that could otherwise be achieved.
On one particular website, it is overwhelmed with complaints against one well known company, who have allegedly been selling residential park homes on holiday sites, which residents are then required to vacate at intervals. Residents were subsequently given copies of the new Written Statement, **** but when seeking to establish a breakdown of figures for sharp rises in fees, were met with silence. Thankfully, they have been named and shamed on the web. It is good to see, simply because it proves what we (PHRAA) have said for years. Time has now run out. The park home industry has to change….TODAY. The residents have the upper hand, via the web. Like News International, now is the time to say SORRY, and mean it. Alaughable report claims there are waiting lists for park homes. (See “Is this the end of the park home lifestyle as we know it” JULY 2011. essential reading available to view and download on this website) Yes, site owners have been waiting up to 4 years to SELL them to the remaining unsuspecting buyers. For Christs sake, go to Specsavers and see what you’ve done to ruin your industry. That web is filling up more every day, to put the rest of the world off. We (PHRAA) told you so, didn’t we???
Colin Packman. President PHRAA. August 2011.
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Note **** The “Written Statement” is the legal contract which by law (The Mobile Homes Act 1983/2006) must be issued to every buyer of a RESIDENTIAL Park/Mobile Home at the time of sale. This contract must not be issued to buyers of park/mobile homes, stationed on Holiday only Licensed Parks. Not only is it an act of deception perpetrated by the park owner concerned, in these circumstances the so-called contract is absolutely invalid as it does not apply to Holiday Licensed sites.
If you have reason to suspect that your park is a holiday only site, then check with your local authority and ask to see a copy of the site licence. It is always wise before you part with any money for a home you are thinking of buying to check the site licence first. Its too late after. Ron
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