Caravans parked at Shingle Bank on the Isle of Sheppey. (Image: South West News Service (SWNS))
Locals in one UK seaside town are at breaking point with owners as they claim they have turned their beach into an “encampment”.
Residents say the problem at Shingle Bank, on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, is worse than ever as cheeky owners are bedding down for long stays.
The local council is now set to consider overnight charges as an option to prevent the overflow of caravans onto the seafront stretch, situated between Sheerness and Minster.
Locals claim they have been calling for restrictions to be put in place for almost six months.
Tracie Jackson, a resident in Marine Parade, said the campervans used to park at the free Ship to Shore car park.
Caravan at Shingle Bank on the Isle of Sheppey (Image: South West News Service (SWNS))
However, due to fees being brought in back in March, people have now moved to Shingle Bank, less than 500 metres away.
Speaking to KentOnline, Tracie believes the campervan owners “should have to pay”.
Another local, Pauline, said: “There are more than there have ever been up there and a lot of them appear to be there for long periods.”
Cllr Dolley Wooster, who chairs Sheerness Town Council and is a member of Minster Parish Council, is encouraging the parking fee review.
She said: “The situation at the Shingle Bank is a problem and we need to review people’s views before taking any action.
Alex and Catherine Freeman, from Reading, parked up on the beach to go kitesurfing (Image: South West News Service (SWNS))
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“We need to make sure that the people living in what has become an encampment, especially those who have hit hard times, receive the support they need during what is still a cost-of-living crisis.
“My overwhelming concern is that a report needs to be done to assess the number of people living there and then ask the public for their thoughts on how we can help solve the issue,” she told KentOnline.
On the other hand, not everyone shares the “encampment” view, with certain visitors saying they are not put off by the campervans.
A couple from reading, Alex and Catherine Freeman, travelled to the island to go kitesurfing after parking next to the beach.
Catherine said: “We thought it was a bit strange to see so many caravans and campervans up here as it isn’t exactly prime time for an English summer holiday.
“But we parked up here and did not have any problems.”
Investigating into the restrictions, Swale Council, which runs the beach, says introducing overnight fees would allow for people to “enjoy the beach during the day whilst dissuading overnight use”.
Details of the proposal are being debated by the community and leisure committee in January next year (2025), going to a public consultation following this.