Fury in 'overwhelmed' UK seaside town as locals demand tourist tax like Spain and Greece
Residents have grown increasingly frustrated about the impact the surging flux of tourists has had on the town.
Locals in a popular UK seaside town have called for the introduction of a tourist tax to battle the unsavoury consequences of overcrowding.
Weston-super-Mare has experienced a surge in visitors seeking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life for the summer.
But residents have lamented that bigger tourist numbers have resulted in a widespread issue with littering.
The problem has become so severe that locals have urged authorities to follow in the footsteps of Spain and Greece and introduce a fee to help keep the town clean.
Sophie Newton, who runs the volunteer group Sophie's Super Litter Picking, said: "The beaches are riddled with nappies, vapes and plastic. More people means more rubbish.
"No one type of person or demographic is to blame. As a seaside town, we simply aren't ever prepared for the influx of visitors and unfortunately, we very much cannot afford the extra provisions required from our council tax alone."
She continued: "Whilst I appreciate it will be controversial and not supported by all, it's a huge success in many European countries and the money is being used to support the local economy and tourist areas.”
Several European countries impose a small fee, usually up to £4.29, on all visitors to help control overtourism as well as to fund local investment.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell noted he and his colleagues are not legally allowed to impose a tourist tax – but argued local businesses can drive the change.
Speaking to the Weston Mercury, Councillor Bell said: "As a council, we are not legally allowed to introduce a tourism tax. Any decision to do that would need to be business-led.
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“We love seeing so many people enjoying our beach during the great weather. All we ask is that everyone who comes helps us to keep it looking its best for everyone.
"Please use the bins provided, there are loads all along the seafront, and if you find the bins are full, please take your rubbish home with you so the seagulls don’t get it."
The appeal comes as Ms Newton warned littering has never been so bad in the popular English seaside town.
She reported her group collected over 18 bags of rubbish during a three-mile walk along the coast just last month.
The volunteer told the BBC: "More people means more rubbish.
"No one type of person or demographic is to blame. As a seaside town, we simply aren't ever prepared for the influx of visitors and unfortunately, we very much cannot afford the extra provisions required from our council tax alone."
