WINCHESTER civic chiefs are hoping new Government laws will help them clampdown on rogue operators of caravan parks.

New legislation means that operators of mobile home sites must pass a 'fit and proper person' requirement.

A council meeting heard officers say they have a good relationship with most site operators but a senior councillor raised concerns about the way some of the 14 sites in the district are managed.

Cllr Caroline Horrill, leader of the Conservative group on the council, said: "My experience of some of the sites is not quite as rosy as your reports suggests. I have experiences of residents not being sufficiently satisfied with the management of the site. They struggle for maintenance to be actively actioned, lighting and fire safety work they feel should be required is not done. Are we sufficiently sure our policy is there to support residents when they clearly have concerns? There are two specific sites which I know residents are not happy."

Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for housing and asset management, speaking at her decision day said: "I share Cllr Horrill's concerns about the residents of mobile homes, with over 500 in the district providing an important service of affordable accommodation but with owners and managers controlling so many aspects of service provision it is open to abuse.

"A 'fit and proper' person test will help to ensure the proper management of sites."

Cllr Learney agreed to adopt the Private Sector Housing Caravan Site Licensing Policy to include the fit and proper person test.