Beautiful UK seaside town divided after tourists slam 'eyesore' issue
A charming seaside town often touted as the UK's most 'underrated' has divided visitors over one major problem. Located in North Yorkshire and managed under the Redcar and Cleveland authority, Saltburn-by-the-sea (commonly referred to as just Saltburn) has been attracting droves of tourists since 1861.
Renowned for its eight-mile golden sandy beach, historic pier, and the oldest water balanced funicular still in operation in Great Britain - the town has managed to keep its appeal despite the surge in overseas travel. As the Mirror exclusively revealed last month, Saltburn has also bolstered its image in recent months through a series of upgrades to the tune of £2 million.
This included increasing the capacity of the most popular car park, building an overflow car park, resurfacing footways, and adding more street lighting and seating. Part of the investment also included better infrastructure for motorhomes and EV charging, the very thing that is now causing a commotion in the town.
According to the Express, plans to ban overnight parking on Saltburn's Marine Parade were scrapped last year - resulting in a problematic surge of tourists clogging the seafront with their bulky RVs for extended periods. With an influx of holidaymakers anticipated when schools break for summer next week, local enterprises fear there will be no parking spaces left due to the convoy of massive motorhomes stretching along the primary route.
During a visit to the resort, reporters tallied a whopping 58 motorhomes stationed at 9pm one evening, and by the next morning, approximately 15 additional large vehicles had arrived. Locals and tourists remain divided over the situation, with some arguing the visitors contribute to the local economy by spending their money in cafes and restaurants. However, others describe them as 'an eyesore', arguing they deter tourists away and are effectively holidaying 'for free'.
One holidaymaker, Adrian, 53, from York, said: "We've been coming to Saltburn for years. Everywhere else along this coastline bans overnight parking anywhere near the seafront, so it really is a gem. Overnight stays in campsites are usually around £50 so a week staying here saves us £350. Obviously we don't have access to showers like you would find at a designated site, but the toilets on the front are pretty good. And then, of course, there's the sea!".
Tom, 41, from Scotland, also expressed his delight. "This is my first time here. I read about it on the internet so we thought we'd travel down and have a few free nights," he said. "Everyone is very friendly and it seems to be kept very clean, there's no mess or anything. To be honest I can't believe we're allowed to stay here without charge, we'll definitely come back whenever the weather is good."
However, not everyone is thrilled about the situation. Brian Smythe, 68, from Leeds, voiced his frustration: "My wife has mobility problems, but there is nowhere for us to park because of all these giant motorhomes. We are here for a few days and have spent £500 on an AirBnB property so it's a bit galling that they get to stay in this beautiful resort for free whilst the rest of us support the local tourist economy."
The proposal for a parking ban on Marine Parade was scrapped by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's administration, despite being part of initial traffic management plans. Independent councillors have since criticised the authority for disappointing local residents and not properly tackling the 'many historic road traffic problems along Marine Parade'.
Labour council leader Alec Brown, however, argued that he took into account the opinions of hundreds of residents, noting that the sentiment was 'two to one against' the parking restriction. Councillors Stuart Smith, Philip Thomson, and Craig Hannaway, all independents, had contributed to devising strategies to enhance the bustling seafront road.
Had they been implemented, the plans would have introduced over 100 new parking spaces and restricted motorhome parking from 8pm to 8am. Campaigners resisted the plans, gathering a petition with more than 1,800 supporters.
However, an investigation by the Express has uncovered that many signatories were not local, with the petition featuring names from over two dozen countries. Mr Brown commented: "It is really heartwarming to know that people from Nigeria, South Africa, and Papua New Guinea like to come and visit Redcar and Cleveland in their motorhomes. Why discourage them from coming and spending money locally? It is more proof really that that ban probably isn't the best for Saltburn."
Mr Hannaway argued that no residents living near Marine Parade had voted to 'spend their summer months in a free campervan park with no facilities, late night noise, litter and chemical waste'. However, Councillor Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for highways and transport at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, bit back - arguing: "The council is listening to the views of Saltburn residents, which is why we will not be progressing with the proposal to prohibit motorhomes parking on Marine Parade and Glenside overnight.
"The consultation for this proposal received 81 objections and only 44 in support. In addition to this, the council received a petition of 1,820 people who were against the introduction of the ban. It is clear that this is a highly emotive and sensitive subject, and we have to balance the impact on local businesses and the risk of parking issues being created elsewhere. We will be introducing a 20mph speed limit on Marine Parade and adjoining streets to make the environment safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This will be implemented as soon as possible."
Speaking to the Mirror, a spokesperson for the council said: "Parking is free for all people who park on Marine Parade not just motorhomes and the council is aware of frustrations as visitors and residents struggle to find parking places, especially in the summer months. Comments and complaints regarding parking in this location are currently being recorded and will form part of future reviews and proposals. There are also ongoing discussions with local councillors to try and find solutions to concerns that have been raised."
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