CARAVAN owners are upset after being told they must leave the campsite they have used for more than four decades.

The Low Wood caravan site has been a tranquil place for holiday makers for 45 years but now the grounds’ new ownership means that is all coming to an end.

Lloyd Smith, 66, from Queensbury said: “It’s the end of an era and I didn’t expect it.

"It’s all very upsetting. It’s been a lifetime of enjoyment."

Since new ownership of the land, all holiday makers have been told they must vacate the area with their caravans by March 31.

The land near Haverthwaite, formerly an 18th century gunpowder works and heritage site, has been used by holiday makers as far back as the 1970s.

Site users were given the news on January 14.

“We did not get a reason for wanting us to leave," said Mr Smith.

"I can’t understand this, we don’t take up a lot of room.

“The new owners do not want any caravans on the site and any remaining after March 31 will be the property of the new owner.

“I have been caravanning for more than 60 years.

"The essence is that caravanning has been a way of life.

"It’s terribly sad that it has come to an abrupt end in such a way for myself and friends.

"I have not heard of a caravan site closing. I very much doubt there will be alternatives for the caravans”.

A representative of real estate consultants Carter Jonas said: “They have been occupying the site on annual licence; however, the new owner wishes to repurpose the land and has decided that the licence shall not be extended into this year.

“It was not a formal agreement for the caravans to be there and unfortunately they will not be able to stay.

“We understand that people will be disgruntled, and we understand their feeling”.

Site users fear they may have to abandon their caravans on the site due to the difficulty in finding alternate locations for them.