Here's an email received today (22 February 2014) from my cousin who lives near to Silves. Hope this allows others to plan their stay in the area without getting a nasty surprise.
"Well it seems the local council have finally had enough with the long
term parking of vans.
Up to Thursday there was approx 150 vans many had been there for going
on 2 months.( they even went to the trouble of stabilising their vans
with axle supports.)
The police were there yesterday clearing people off site.
It was quite amazing, as we went to Lidl, we drove by the car park and
it was full, half hour later we drove past and about 30 vans were left.
According to our neighbour, It also seems that some were using the car
park as a winter storage facility and the owners were else where.
It is a shame that some people spoil it for others, as for years, while
other councils allowed limited parking Silves didn't mind.
But then some of the other councils decided to either charge or banned
it. and they all moved to Silves."
"Well it seems the local council have finally had enough with the long
term parking of vans.
Up to Thursday there was approx 150 vans many had been there for going
on 2 months.( they even went to the trouble of stabilising their vans
with axle supports.)
The police were there yesterday clearing people off site.
It was quite amazing, as we went to Lidl, we drove by the car park and
it was full, half hour later we drove past and about 30 vans were left.
According to our neighbour, It also seems that some were using the car
park as a winter storage facility and the owners were else where.
It is a shame that some people spoil it for others, as for years, while
other councils allowed limited parking Silves didn't mind.
But then some of the other councils decided to either charge or banned
it. and they all moved to Silves."