Giant Group of TikTok Tourists Ravage Well-known UK Village Every YEAR - They Regard Our Doorsteps as if They Were in Disney World

In the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "UK's Venice," a contentious issue has arisen regarding the management of its growing tourist population.

Councillor Jon Wareing has been vocal about his concerns, accusing visitors of exploiting the destination for social media content and showing little interest in the village's heritage, culture, or natural environment. He has even reported instances of residents being verbally and physically abused by influencers.

The proposed solution involves coaches picking up and dropping off passengers in a designated on-street parking bay on Meadow Way, before leaving for an industrial estate where parking will be available. However, this plan has raised concerns from locals and some coach companies.

Retired fitter Ron Wellard, who has lived in Bourton-on-the-Water for 50 years, has criticized the proposed location as being next to an old people's home. He also expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed coach parking on the quality of life for residents living near the proposed location.

Some coach companies, including Middleton Tours, have expressed concerns about the safety and suitability of the Meadow Way location. They argue that the area is deemed not safe, lacks shelter, and has no signage, which could potentially pose risks to passengers.

Ron Wellard also suggested the old Co-op location as a better alternative, but this was not considered in the proposed scheme.

The parish council has voted to address the shortage of parking facilities following the closure of a privately-owned site in 2023. However, proposals for a bus ban to address parking issues faced by residents have been met with concerns from businesses, who fear it could negatively impact trade.

Traffic congestion is another issue raised by Councillor Wareing, which he attributes to the influx of tourists. Litter has become a significant problem in the area, particularly on the village's famous green.

Councillor James Middleton, who has been addressing the problem of overtourism in Bourton-on-the-Water since May 2024, has expressed concern about the impact of these visitors, stating they are exploiting the destination for social media content. He has been advocating for the council to acknowledge tourism as a problem for the village.

The village receives approximately 300,000 visitors annually, and with the growing concerns about the impact of tourism, it seems that a solution to manage the influx of tourists while preserving the charm of Bourton-on-the-Water is a pressing issue.