THE owners of a mobile home park claim they will be prosecuted if a controversial plan to re-position pitches on the site is not carried out. Fred Smith, who co-owns Beaumont Park in Bradwell with wife Carol, told the Mercury that homes would have to be moved to meet health and safety requirements.

THE owners of a mobile home park claim they will be prosecuted if a controversial plan to re-position pitches on the site is not carried out.

Fred Smith, who co-owns Beaumont Park in Bradwell with wife Carol, told the Mercury that homes would have to be moved to meet health and safety requirements.

However, residents at the Mill Lane site argue their homes would fall apart if shifted from their current positions and there would be no insurance payout.

Relations between the residents and the owners have been strained since Mr Smith's company F and D Continental Roadways purchased the park two years ago.

Mr Smith said: “The changes are necessary, because people are living in dangerous conditions - we are only interested in the site being up to standard not making money.

“The space between the caravans is too small at the moment which is creating a fire risk. If they are not moved then we will be taken to court.

“Some residents may have to leave the site temporarily while the work is carried out. The plan is to carry it out in stages to minimise inconvenience especially to the older residents.

“We don't want to be forced into taking action against people, but equally cannot afford to be in a position where we are subject to legal action.”

Mr Smith added he had no plans to add to the 27 homes currently on site.

The residents own their homes but rent pitches and are carrying out consultations with fire officers to address any hazards.

Residents association chairman Brian Richardson said he was still “dead against” any of the properties being moved.

Retired roofer Mr Richardson, 68, moved to the park with his partner Kathy Miller nine years ago.

He added: “Some of the residents have been here 40-odd years and we are not against making improvements, but this is not an option.

“We are going to fight all the way - we will not move our homes.

“Relations with the site owners had improved and hopefully we can still work with them to resolve this.”