This is my first post on the CAG forums – sorry it is so long and complicated. I suffer from very poor health and I am registered disabled. I bought a deluxe static caravan on Park Holidays (UK) Beauport Holiday Park in Hastings two years ago for £37,000 (cash). When I purchased my van (a 40 foot model), there was only one plot on the park which I liked as it was secluded with a nice outlook. I had been treated for a prostate tumor for the previous six months and needed a quiet and relaxing place to go and recover. I carefully explained my requirements regarding the site to the sales staff, and I was shown the official site plan and given maps of the same, clearly showing that if any new vans were installed opposite my own, my views/outlook would not be spoiled. I only went ahead with the purchase because of the information I had been given. 11 months later, a new van was installed directly opposite my own. Both vans (mine and the new one) have fully glazed 'front' ends, so the new van looks straight into my own van, and I lost all of my privacy. I complained to the site manager who stated that the maps and plans I had been given 'were for reference only' and didn't mean anything. And that it was his job to 'fit as many vans into the available space as possible'. I tried to explain to him that I had purchased the van in good faith (because of the information I had been given) to which he replied 'do you have anything in writing?'. After having been given site plans and maps, I hadn't even thought about the need to have it written into the contract. As there were no other suitable plots available for my van, I gave 3 months notice and told the manager that I wanted to sell my van back to Park Holidays. My site fees had been paid up until the end of 2011 so I thought there would be ample time to sell my van. However, four months later I was still waiting for an offer (despite numerous phone calls, emails and letters on my part). I eventually managed to speak to the sales manager who offered me £11,000. (This was 15 months since I had purchased my van). I told him that this was unacceptable. I went to see my local CAB but they admitted that they had no experience in such matters as there was no legislation regarding holiday homes, and suggested that I take legal advice. By this time the site fees for 2012 were due (but my contract was cancelled). I then went to a local solicitor (£200 plus VAT per hour), got nowhere so paid for a Barrister's Opinion (£1,500). Basically, the Barrister didn't feel my case was guaranteed (misrepresented sale act) and estimated that my costs would be circa £20,000 to go ahead - with no guarantee of winning and if I lost, I would have to pay Park Holidays fees. This was too 'rich' for me unfortunately. My legal fees so far are for £3,000. My van had been unoccupied for a year, and as I had given notice and cancelled my contract, any money Park Holidays say was owed was in dispute because of misrepresentations made at the time of purchase. They had kept me waiting for months - ignoring letters, not returning phone calls, telling me that they had written to me, or emailed me when nothing arrived etc etc etc. I received a barrage of threatening letters from Park Holidays insisting that I pay my site fees, council and water rates, late payment penalties for 2012 (totalling £3,800). I refused to pay the site fees as my contract was terminated. They told me that I must pay their fees and remove my van from their park within 14 days or it would be re-possessed (which is exactly what happened). I simply wasn't well enough to try to have the van moved to another site. My solicitor contacted Park Holidays but their solicitor said that they had already repossessed and sold my van, (as they say I was in default?) and I was sent a cheque for £8,100 (being the balance left after deducting site fees, Council rates, water rates for the last year even though my contract was cancelled). An identical van to my own is being sold on one of their other sites for £39,950 - which is £30,000 more than they have sent to me. I have full photographic evidence and the two maps/plans I was given at time of purchase. During my dispute, Park Holidays changed their map/plan to show the revised layout and the new van opposite my own. Fortunately I have a .pdf copy of the old plan. I believe that I was totally misled by the sales staff, who I trusted (I had no reason not to believe them foolishly). I feel so stupid for being taken in and trusting them. After the legal fees I have already paid, I have lost £32,000+, most of my life savings. I just don’t know what to do next. Any help or advice from any members of the CAG would be very much appreciated. I don't have the energy to keep fighting for much longer, my health is worse than ever with all the stress and anxiety over the past year. Thank you for taking the time to read through this. I hope someone can suggest something I can do. Tony G

long story short ! caravan purchased on finance agreement. then refinanced to pay for move to another site. been on new site for over 5 years, but due to health and financial issues, defaulted on payments over six months ago. then got a short letter saying defaulted and for 'key to vehicle' to be returned [!] at this point it would appear the finance company didnt know it was a caravan, not a car. have paid more than the required % that means they have to apply to court for return. now been issued with court date to say seeking return of vehicle and costs to remove and court costs as well as balance of debt [balance calculated to include all remaining interest rather than the settlement figure which is about £1200 cheaper]. so my question... if/can i voluntarily surrender with no further costs? OR if i go to court and plead circumstances, then i appreciate judge cant amend financial agreement so what likely hood of me getting to keep caravan and reduce payments and increase term? **************** adding to the problem is the site have refused my offer to pay the outstanding site fees by lump sum and then monthly payments to feb 2014 to clear the debt. they have notified me of their intention to sell - i have advised there is finance attached to the van. all done in writing. i have asked them to confirm the van is still sited as at todays date. ALSO caravan site have confirmed in writing that finance company rang them to see if any site fees had been paid [it implies they gave them the negative information] and the finance company told them that i had not paid my finance installments. ANY RECOURSE HERE?? for breach of confidentiality? **************** i am minded to surrender if an option. but also due to ongoing financial issues may have to sell my house to clear debts, and having now bad credit history will struggle with private landlords, so the caravan was my fallback.... have not told site i could pay site fees in lump sum if pushed; rather keep the money for longer if no caravan !! THANKS CHAPS (and Chapesses) FOR READING