Paddy’s Hole harbour, South Gare (Image: Getty)
A raft of new restrictions have been introduced at a busy in the North East of England following a surge in anti-social behaviour that has been blamed on visitors.
South Gare is a popular coastal area on the southern side of the mouth of the in Redcar and Cleveland, England.
This privately owned peninsula of reclaimed land and breakwater offers breathtaking views of Paddy’s Hole Harbour, and Hartlepool’s power station and fuel depot.
However, the site has become popular with campervan and motorhome owners – some of whom have parked in the area for extended periods.
PD Ports, which operates the site, says this has led to significant issues in the area – with visitors leaving behind waste.
Campervans and caravans have parked at South Gare for extended periods (Image: PD Ports)
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To combat the issue, parking restrictions have been introduced – and a height restriction barrier and other infrastructure is now being installed. A PD Ports spokesperson said that, during the summer, Gare was ” and other vehicles, often staying for extended periods and leaving behind litter and other waste”.
Vehicles are alleged to have blocked emergency vehicle access and compromised PD Ports’ operational activities in the area – and impacted licenced tenants on the site, including fishermen and conservation groups.
Earlier this year, local resident Alan Wallis told the Darlington and Stockton Times: “Come the weekend you can’t move for them. It’s a joke now, some [people] are there all year round, they even got a burger van in.”
South Gare has breathaking industriual views (Image: Getty)
Coatham ward councillor Carl Quartermain said: “While this is not council or public land, motorhomes and caravans have been using the area for years. I have been alerted to an increase which some may feel is affecting the ambience and the view – however I haven’t had any complaints about unlawful behaviour.”
Nonetheless, speaking earlier this month, PD Ports chief executive officer Frans Calje, promised action was now being taken. In a statement on the PD ports website he said hoped this would restore the area to a “peaceful, well-managed state”.
Frans said: “The South Gare is a local landmark and a place of and wildlife. Unfortunately, the site has become a free-for-all for those who mistakenly believe a number of apps and social media groups that it is a suitable place to camp.
PD Ports hope peace will now be restored at South Gare (Image: Getty)
“We’ve received a number of complaints from local residents and licenced tenants of the various facilities on the gare about anti-social behaviour and inconsiderate parking – after monitoring the situation it has become clear that it is not sustainable.
“If there was an emergency on The Gare itself, or out on the water or the beach, the current situation would make it very difficult for emergency vehicles to access the area. We have not taken this decision lightly, but the sharp rise in the number of people behaving inappropriately in this area means we have no choice.
As the responsible authority for South Gare, we must ensure it is protected – both operationally and environmentally. We trust this action will restore the South Gare to a peaceful, well-managed state.”