July 5th 2024.
The village of Runswick Bay is experiencing a decline in its permanent residents. Despite being considered one of the most beautiful places to live in the UK, the community is facing the threat of being pushed out by tourists who are purchasing second homes in the area.
The picturesque village, with its charming pantile red-roofed cottages and narrow cliffside alleyways, is a sight to behold. It's no wonder that it has become a popular destination, with its white sand beach being named the best in Britain. However, this very popularity has become a double-edged sword for the locals.
The village's stunning appearance and idyllic location have led to a surge in demand for properties, resulting in skyrocketing prices. This has made it nearly impossible for locals, like 85-year-old Colin Elliott, to afford a home in their own village. Colin, who was born and raised in Runswick, shared his love for the peacefulness and lack of traffic in the area but lamented the fact that it has become a holiday destination for the majority of its residents.
The rise in popularity of Runswick Bay during the lockdown, when it was named the best beach in the UK by the Sunday Times, only worsened the situation. As the village becomes increasingly crowded with tourists, the locals are left to pick up the scraps and face a decline in their overall quality of life.
One woman who grew up in the village remembers a time when there were more permanent residents and a bustling local bar. She believes that the rising prices have pushed out the locals, leaving them with fewer opportunities to own a home in their own hometown.
Even first-time visitors, like Richard and Helen Foster, noticed that the village is primarily geared towards tourists. Despite the touristy vibe, they still enjoyed their time on the beach and appreciated the beauty of the area. Another visitor, 85-year-old Colin Elliott, has been coming to the village for 20 years to relive old memories with his partner. He expressed his desire to live in Runswick if he had the means to do so.
However, not everyone sees the influx of tourists as a negative. Tom Rose, the owner of the Royal Hotel in the heart of Runswick Bay, loves the village no matter the weather. He acknowledges that most cottage owners don't live in their homes year-round, but they do return throughout the year. Tom believes that the village has a special charm that draws people in, and he enjoys meeting people from all walks of life who come to experience it.
But as more and more tourists flock to the village, some locals are becoming frustrated with the lack of practicality in living there day-to-day. One couple, Graham and Lane, expressed their love for the area but also pointed out the difficulties of raising a family or finding employment in the village. The limited housing options and lack of amenities make it challenging to live in Runswick, and most families would struggle to make it their permanent home.
Amidst the frustration of being priced out of their own village, there are some who are content with Runswick Bay remaining a tourist destination. Tom Rose, for one, sees the village as a hidden gem that once discovered, is cherished by all who visit. He also notes that many of the properties have been passed down through generations, adding to the village's unique charm.
However, the situation in Runswick Bay is not unique. In March 2023, a similar issue arose in Cornwall, with locals protesting against second homes by spray-painting messages on the walls of holiday properties. The messages called for second home owners to rent or sell their homes to locals at a fair price, highlighting the need to address this issue in many popular tourist destinations.
In the end, it's clear that Runswick Bay is a beautiful place to visit, but it may not be the most practical place to live year-round. As the number of permanent residents continues to dwindle, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this charming village.
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