Frustrated residents living near a historic Lancashire beach and loch say they are fed up with the “huge, ostentatious” caravans and caravans arriving in the summer months.
They claim Morecambe’s picturesque promenade has been spoiled by an infestation of holiday vehicles, even reporting examples of ‘vans with mattresses stuffed in the back’. Locals say visitors are taking advantage of the lax rules on the promenade rather than using local campsites, adding that the area is now clogged by large numbers of ‘increasingly larger’ vehicles.
Earlier this year, it was alleged that a full-size tourist bus from Windermere was parked all night and ‘the lights inside the cabin were seen on until the early hours’.
Local residents say tourists are not contributing to the economy by spending money on local businesses and are putting public health at risk with their toilet waste.
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Michael Dickson Glen lives in the Thornton Road area near the Hazelmere hotel building. He said: “I bought a retirement flat with a view overlooking Morecambe Bay. It’s a beautiful area and people pay a premium for the view. I pay the highest rate of council tax to live here. But there are also caravans and other vehicles. Pick-ups are parked all along the promenade.” by blocking the view.
“Why don’t they go to proper campsites? It only costs £12 to hook up and have proper facilities like showers. I’ve seen people throw their toilet waste down the drain in the street. But it’s the main road in Morecambe. They’re very clever about parking near the drains I’ve seen three or four times this has happened.” I saw.
“I asked why they don’t go to the campsites. I can’t get a straight answer. They say their vehicles are taxed and insured. Or they tell me to fuck off. These are people in their 50s. The age group that should know better.”
As the spring break and summer season approaches, there are calls for action to introduce new, clearer rules for caravans and other caravans on Morecambe’s promenade and to stop people spending the night in vehicles during the prom, Lancs Live reports.
In the past, the municipality was required to provide designated areas for recreational vehicles. Marine Road resident Suzanne Smith expressed anger and concern over the alleged problems.
He said: “This is specifically about parking on Marine Road outside where I live. I previously lived elsewhere in Morecambe but moved to my current home in 2021. “I speak on behalf of some residents who have been subjected to poor behavior from some caravan owners and have been asked by the police Decided to seek advice.
“During the summer we encountered a white wall of caravans and disrespect from their owners. It is not good for the mental health of the residents. Owners of these huge flashy pickup trucks contribute little to the local economy. They spend very little but enjoy wonderful views of Morecambe Bay for days. There is also garbage, maintenance work, water and wastewater.
“I saw some wastewater towards the beach. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. However, the vehicles are usually separated by the time environmental department personnel arrive.”
Tourism is key to the region’s economy and opinions differ on what should be done. Some residents are pressuring councilors to take action and the issues have been raised at town, city and county councils. Opinions differ on what kind of restrictions should be imposed, such as the size and type of vehicles or the hours vehicles can stay.
Michael Dickson Glen added: “I was out for a walk around 6.30am during the ball the other day. I passed a man the other day and heard the obvious sound of him urinating. I asked him what he was doing? And he said what it was.” What does it have to do with me? I said I lived across the road. He abused me a lot verbally.
“So I took a photo of his vehicle’s license plate and called the police. The police arrived around 9.30. They were quite understanding, but the man and the vehicle were gone. However, the police said that this was not a complete waste of time because based on the incident, based on the photo of the license plate, the vehicle had no insurance.
“But it’s a constant battle. When I suggest drivers go to the golf club, I get nothing but verbal abuse. People tell you to go away. It’s gotten worse over the years. The bank holiday is coming up and there will be loads of these cars… I’ll spend all day parking at the prom and driving around town.” How can they justify not spending any money? They come fully stocked with glasses, wine, beer and food.
“Also, some vehicles are parked here all winter. These probably belong to local people who do not have enough space to store them at home.”
He added: “I’ve spoken to a lot of people – councilors and MPs. Everyone is furious with me. Various councilors are looking at it. But it needs to be addressed because if it isn’t it will only escalate with Heaven. The project is coming.”
“Personally, I would like caravans and caravans to be banned from the promenade at all times. They should have appropriate facilities elsewhere. But other people think they should just be banned overnight from me.”
Labor city and county councilor Margaret Pattison has recently raised the issues at various levels, including Lancaster City Council. The city council operates some off-street parking, while the borough generally manages on-street parking. People say the parking situation is unclear and Morecambe’s parking and traffic system is under greater scrutiny by authorities.
He said: “Obviously we want visitors to come to Morecambe, but residents want some checks on parking on the promenade and overnight problems resolved. “We need suitable places for caravans and caravans – perhaps a new car park?
“Recently I came home late and saw a bus at the prom at 3am with the lights on and steam coming out of the windows. People spend the night in vehicles and cook on gas stoves. This can be really dangerous.
“I told the county council highways staff about the health and safety concerns. They say the entire car park and traffic system in Morecambe has been reviewed ahead of the Eden Project.”
Coun Pattison added: “Morecambe is getting a lot of publicity these days. It’s on TV. Tyson Fury is running at the ball. John McGuinness [the motorcyclist] It makes the town stand out. The Eden Project is generating interest. Winter Gardens. Morecambe is a good place with good people and businesses. However, we need to make the promenade and caravan-minibus arrangements correctly.”
Poulton’s Liberal-Dem councilor Paul Hart also voiced concerns. He recently told the Lancaster City Council that caravans are getting bigger and bigger.
He said: “There are motorhomes, caravans, vans, buses and even tractors parked along the prom. There are vans with mattresses inside. I’ve heard rumors of online bookings being made. People are arriving in cars and spending the night in vans. But things can get very complicated and as far as I know so far every Time is not proof.
“There are also issues with the money spent on the local economy and the views over Morecambe Bay. Some caravan visitors go to cafes and spend money. Some may spend money in local supermarkets but not in seaside cafes or shops. Some people say these vans are used for a car that would normally carry a family of four.” He says it takes up parking spaces and these people will spend more money.
“As councilors we are under pressure from residents and businesses. It is important that we get this done for everyone.” Both councilors said Morecambe City Council was also looking into the issues and had discussed the issue with Lancaster County Council.