Residents in one of the Cotswolds’ most sought-after villages have compared it to living next to a motorway due to the huge number of tourists. The Gloucestershire village of Bourton-on-the-Water, famous for its stone buildings and bridges over the River Windrush, is among the region’s most popular spots for holidaymakers.
Residents hold 'day of action'
But locals in the pretty village have held a “day of action” in response to traffic chaos allegedly caused by tourists. Concerned neighbours, who have reported “constant congestion” from tourists, are seeking a cap on the number of visitors and a change in parking rules.
Resident Paul Doxsey said the village is “like living next to the M5 on a Saturday and Sunday”. Speaking to the BBC, he added: “Just so many cars, in and out, turning round on your drive and parking illegally.”
'Absolutely lawless'
Charlotte Joynes, chair of the Bourton Residents Group (BRG) and the organiser of the day of action, said Bourton-on-the-Water has become “absolutely lawless”. Issues reported by the group included prams and elderly people being unable to walk through the village due to its business, as well as nurses and emergency workers being unable to reach people, according to the BBC.
The BRG said it is not calling for a tourist ban, but instead wants “balance, proper management and action” to be considered. It said tourism is a key part of the local economy and “appreciates” visitors are “part of village life”.
Fears of an accident
Resident Dennis King said he fears there is “an accident waiting to happen” amid the high tourism levels. “Whether it's about a responder not being able to get somewhere or someone being involved [in] a road traffic accident [because of] the parking and the coaches and how they arrive in the village,” he told the BBC.
Another local speaking to the broadcaster described the village as “swamped”, warning it “can’t cope” with the number of visitors flocking there.
Bourton-on-the-Water, about 15 miles east of Cheltenham, is home to around 4,000 people. It is known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ due to its five bridges crossing the River Windrush which flows through the village centre.
Council response
Tony Dale, member of Cotswold District Council, said there is no “simple solution” to the residents’ concerns but authorities are working on balancing the needs of both villagers and visitors.
