RESIDENTS of a Bournemouth caravan park fear they will be forced to give up their beloved pets after being served with eviction notices.

Those living at Hengist Park were shocked to discover they have just weeks to leave despite living at the site for as long as 37 years.

The new owners of the Hengistbury Head park, Royale Parks Ltd, are insisting residents must be out of their homes by the end of August.

Occupants have requested more time to find alternative accommodation but have received no response from Royale Parks.

Dawn Orchard, 70, has lived there for 14 years with her cat, Leo.

She said: "The eviction notices came as a complete shock and now some of us have been told we might have to get rid of our pets to have any chance of finding somewhere else to live.

"Many of us live alone and our pets are important to us. We just don't know where to turn."

Royale Parks bought the site, situated at the end of Wick village, near St Katharine's primary school, earlier this year.

Residents said they were told that nothing would change and that they could stay on the site.

But earlier this month the eviction notices came out of the blue and the new owners said there will be a "future development" at the site. They have refused to give any details about the plans.

The Daily Echo has attempted to contact Royale Parks for a comment but has received no response.