A DORSET woman who forced the fight for park home owners’ rights onto the political agenda has welcomed ministerial support for tough new laws.

Sonia McColl, founder of the Park Home Owners Justice Campaign, contacted the Daily Echo after taking part in a meeting attended by housing minister Grant Shapps.

Mrs McColl, of Wareham, launched her park homes crusade in a bid to fight unscrupulous site operators.

In particular, she galvanised support to close a contentious legal loophole that effectively allows site operators to steal residents’ equity.

Currently, park operators are allowed to interview prospective park home buyers.

But campaigners say many have been putting off these buyers, then snapping up the properties at a fraction of their true value.

However, during the last meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Park Homes, Mrs McColl said the housing minister indicated strong governmental support.

Mrs McColl said: “I welcomed the minister’s response when he highlighted that a private members bill on park homes would receive government support if put forward.”

Last week Parliament’s Private Members’ bill ballot took place – naming 20 MPs who will be given priority in presenting a bill of their choice.

The bills of the MPs will be formally presented to the House of Commons on June 20, giving time for constituents to lobby for new park home laws.

Mrs McColl said: “In addition to government support for a bill on park homes, the minister indicated he would also help to draft that bill.

“I feel absolutely sure from his comments that it is his intention to completely rid the industry of the rogues who are damaging it.”

Mrs McColl, who has marched on Whitehall and campaigned outside Bournemouth Town Hall many times since taking up the fight three years ago, heaped praise on Mid Dorset and North Poole Lib Dem MP Annette Brooke.

“Annette has been a staunch supporter of this very crucial campaign and has helped me to bring awareness of the plight of many park home owners to Westminster,” she said.