'Fed up' Cotswold villagers block on-street parking in protest against tourism chaos
Summary
Cotswold residents “fed up” with overtourism are staging a “day of action” and will be reclaiming their village green in Bourton-on-the-Water . Residents will be gathering at the village green from 8am today (August 15) with picnic blankets, chairs and mobility aids to occupy the public space.
Details
A parking protest is also expected which involves residents leaving their own driveways completely clear and instead parking their personal vehicles in free, on-street public parking spaces throughout the village’s residential areas. The aim is to force visiting tourists to use official, designated car parks rather than crowding neighborhood streets.
Bourton Residents’ Voice , who have organised the event, say it is not an attempt to ban tourists or stop people from visiting the village. “Tourism is an important part of our local economy, and we understand and appreciate that visitors are part of village life,” they said “What we are asking for is balance, proper management and action.
“Our village is home to more than 4,000 residents, yet the pressures created by the sheer volume of visitors are no longer something that can simply be ignored.
This isn’t just an April-to-October issue anymore – the impact is being felt throughout the year.” The group believes residents should be able to move around safely in their own village without having to deal with “constant congestion” and be able to park reasonably close to their own homes.
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Villagers say they should also be able to enjoy their streets and public spaces without excessive litter and fouling and expect damage to Bourton’s historic walls and buildings to be taken seriously. The group also says residents expect that existing laws, regulations and restrictions to actually be enforced. And they feel that the needs of residents are being considered alongside the needs of tourism.
“Residents should not feel that they are simply expected to put up with it. “We have raised concerns. We have written emails.
We have complained. We have spoken about these issues repeatedly. “But talking about the problems on social media isn’t going to create the change our village needs.
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“Residents should not feel that they are simply expected to put up with it. “We have raised concerns. We have written emails.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live