A dumped caravan has been left in a Sidmouth lay-by for months because the council has been unable to find anyone to remove it.

Sidmouth Herald: Dumped caravan in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5071. Picture: Terry IfeDumped caravan in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5071. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

The mobile home, which is in a state of disrepair, mysteriously arrived in the Bowd lay-by, off the A3052, a few months ago.

Shortly after it appeared a black Renault Clio with a trailer was also dumped. The car has been left with no wheels and standing on some bricks.

Councillor Stuart Hughes said he noticed the appearance of the caravan a few months ago and reported it to East Devon District Council.

He added: “This is not the first time an inconsiderate person has dumped a caravan in this lay-by. It is in a right state - in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it really is not very nice.

Sidmouth Herald: Dumped caravan in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5068. Picture: Terry IfeDumped caravan in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5068. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“Surely they must realise that it is the council tax payers who have to pay for the removal? These dumped caravans are a magnet for petty crime and in the past we have seen them set on fire by arsonists.

“After the caravan appeared, a car pulling an advertising sign for a garage in Newton Abbot turned up.

“When highway officers rang the business that it was advertising, they said they had sold it months ago on eBay.

“I have been pushing the council for months. I think they have now found somewhere to take it.

Sidmouth Herald: Dumped caravan in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5068. Picture: Terry IfeDumped caravan in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5068. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“It is time the officer involved raised the paperwork and placed a notice on the vehicle or caravan which adds additional time to how long it remains there before being removed.”

An East Devon District Council spokeswoman said: “East Devon’s StreetScene team is aware of the caravan and we are trying to find a contractor who will tow it away, as our regular contractor is unable to help us on this occasion.”

A police spokesman said the removal of the car and the caravan was a council matter. He added that when cars were left like this they did try and trace the owner, but the vehicles were often not registered to anybody, which made it difficult to track who was responsible.

Sidmouth Herald: Dumped car in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5064. Picture: Terry IfeDumped car in a layby in Sidmouth. Ref shs 50 17TI 5064. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)