A BIG ISSUE seller who is a member of Burnham's chamber of trade and commerce faces being evicted from a caravan in his friend's garden because of planning red tape.

Colin Johnstone is a familiar face in the town's High Street, where he has earned his living by selling the homeless person's charity magazine for the past two years.

The 59-year-old has embraced the community by joining the chamber of trade and commerce, and has been a regular fixture at meetings for the past 18 months, even though he has lived in a tent for much of that time.

He even volunteered at Burnham Carnival and helped marshal the traffic during the Christmas lights turn-on.

He said: "Lots of people know me in the town and ask for my help which is why I joined the chamber.

"I'm a fully paid up member and usually attend meetings because I like to share my knowledge of the town."

But since September, Mr Johnstone has been sleeping in a caravan in a friend's back garden - an arrangement which could now be scuppered by Sedgemoor District Council.

The owner of the house in Steart Avenue, Sylvia Sparkes, has been told she must secure planning permission before someone can live in the caravan.

She said: "Someone has complained about him being here and now the council is trying to evict him.

"I want him to stay and he is not a bit of trouble. He's very hygienic, clean and tidy, and even helps clear my rubbish.

"I just don't see why they don't leave him alone and let him live his life."

The council's planning control manager, Christine Miles, said: "If a caravan parked on someone's property is used independently from the main house, then planning permission is needed.

"If he was a member of the household, eating and cooking in the house, and just slept in the caravan then he doesn't require planning permission.

"If it is a separate dwelling, the owners need to apply to the council."

Mr Johnstone is fighting the council's case on the basis that he eats and showers in his landlord's home.

He pays £10 a night to stay in the caravan and an extra £25 for his cooked meals, which are carefully prepared for his diabetic needs.

He added: "I fear I will have to move but I don't want to live anywhere else. I love Burnham and am happy here."