A FAMILY have been left devastated after paying £12,000 for a caravan at a holiday park – only to find out it will have to be scrapped in a few years.
Naomi Wilson, 52, spent her life savings on the caravan at Fantasy Island resort in Ingoldmells for her family.
However, just nine weeks after buying it, new rules by the park will mean the caravan will have to be scrapped in the next few years.
The new ban means caravans older than 22 years at Fantasy Island parks from March 1, 2022, are not allowed.
Ms Wilson said she asked on multiple occasions if the age restrictions were being brought in, only to be told they were not.
She told MEN: "When I first looked into buying a caravan, I asked if there
would be an age restriction and was told no.
"I asked the same on July 10 after lockdown when I went to sign the paperwork and was given the same answer.
"Now, just nine weeks later, things have changed and there is a 22 year age limit despite the warranty from the manufacturers being 40 plus years.
"I feel it is very underhanded by Fantasy Island. There are three or four new owners there, who are in the same situation as me now."
Ms Wilson paid £12,000 for the caravan, as well as another £1,000 to renovate it and £350 after a break in.
She continued: "They can't just change the rules when we were told completely different.
"I spent my savings on it – and it was a big decision to do that but I wanted something for the family."
The caravan is a 2007 model so will be at the end of it's permitted
life span in just nine years.
Ms Wilson added: "I am bringing up my eight-year-old grandson and my 89-year-old dad has vascular dementia and lives with me.
"This was our holiday home – somewhere we can all go for a rest.
"Owning my own van is something I've always dreamed of. This was something for me, that I've done for us all. The thought of giving it up in a few years is just heartbreaking."
According to her paperwork, as seen by Lincolnshire Live it states: "Caravans can stay on site for as many years as long as it's maintained and payments are met."
Fantasy Island is also selling caravans will less than 10 years life on them online – a 2004 model is selling for £15,995 while a 2007 model with three bedrooms is £26,995.
A statement previously issued to Lincolnshire Live by Fantasy Island
states: “Our change in policy to operate an age limit of the caravans
on our sites has been developed to help improve the overall quality of
the parks and the caravans that are on them, and ensure they are
successful and thriving parks for many years to come.
“The 22 year age limit is designed to ensure the least amount of
impact to our current licence holders while still achieving the goals
of the policy, and is considerably more generous than many other park
policies in the area.
“We have tried to give our licensees as much notice as possible and
all current licence holders are free to renew their annual licence
agreement for 2021, before the changes come into effect in March
2022.”
Sun Online Travel has contacted Fantasy Island for additional comment.
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