A local councillor has launched a furious attack on social media tourists, blaming TikTok and Instagram for causing chaos and ‘absolute carnage’ in one of the Peak District's most idyllic villages.
The picturesque village of Castleton, famed for its historic caverns and stunning valley scenery, has become a victim of its own viral fame. Councillor Dave Wilcox reported that the influx of visitors, drawn by online videos, has led to dangerous parking on double yellow lines, blocked roads for emergency services, and residents being unable to leave their own homes.
‘They Just Don’t Care’: The Reality of Viral Fame
Councillor Wilcox didn't hold back in his criticism, stating that many of the new visitors show a complete disregard for the local community and the landscape they've come to see. The problem is no longer confined to weekends, with congestion becoming a daily issue.
“They park on double yellow lines, on pavements, in front of people’s driveways… they just don’t care,” he fumed. The situation has become so severe that the local authority is now considering drastic measures, including the implementation of a controversial tourist tax to help manage the costs of the tourism boom.
A Call for Respect and Solutions
The plea from local officials is clear: visitors must be more respectful. This means parking considerately in official car parks, taking litter home, and understanding that Castleton is a living, working village, not just a backdrop for a social media post.
While the community welcomes tourists who appreciate the area responsibly, the message is that the current free-for-all is unsustainable. The hope is that by highlighting the issue, future visitors will help preserve the natural beauty and tranquillity that made Castleton famous in the first place, rather than contributing to its degradation.
