ShiftZZ
LIFE MEMBER
Published on Saturday 18 August 2012 08:00
OWNERS of motorhomes parked along Bexhill’s De La Warr Parade for several weeks have outstayed their welcome.
But the owners are not breaking any laws by being there, since there is no restriction on parking or overnight stays at the far end of the eastern promenade.
Rother district councillor Deirdre Williams said she was nevertheless taking residents’ concerns seriously and hoped to resolve the situation and prevent it happening again.
She said: “I’m not joking when I say I have had more than 50 e-mails from people living in the area, all expressing anger about the situation.
“They resent the fact that parking spaces are being denied to other users, such as those who have beach huts there; that water is being obtained free from taps in the nearby public toilets; wastebins are overflowing; washing is being draped on fences and so on.”
Cllr Mrs Williams said: “These facilities are paid for by council tax payers. Fine, if visitors are only there for a day or two, but we’re now talking weeks and there are many who clearly think it’s not on for the motorhomers to expect them to subsidise their lifestyle.”
One resident, Colette Aspinall, said: “It makes it difficult for other visitors or locals to park and use the beach. I don’t think I’m alone in my displeasure.”
Another, Geoffrey Hume, said the contingent created “an unsightly mess” likely to deter others from using the promenade.
Police and council officials have visited the site, where up to a dozen dormobiles have parked, but are powerless to act under present regulations.
Cllr Williams said: “It’s time these visitors went. I’d like to see it made illegal to stop there overnight, but that can’t happen immediately. In the short term, water supply has been restricted to prevent over-use and talks are continuing to see what else might be done.”
Rother’s director of services Tony Leonard said: “We are aware of the motorhome issue and have noted the concerns of residents who have contacted us.
“Being a highways matter, this is not Rother’s direct responsibility but is a county council issue. Nevertheless, our senior officers and local councillors have met with East Sussex County Council’s head of highways and Sussex Police to discuss the matter and find a solution.
“At the moment, no restrictions are in place that prohibit motorhomes on East Parade.
“As long as the vehicles are taxed and insured, they are legally permitted to remain at this location overnight.
“It has been concluded that we could look at implementation of a Traffic Regulation Order, but this will take time as it needs to go to public consultation.
“It requires careful consideration, as any restrictions will apply to all vehicles and not just motorhomes, so we need to be mindful about what restrictions should be put in place. In the meantime, our officers will continue to monitor the site for any illegal or anti-social behaviour.”
Link Removed
OWNERS of motorhomes parked along Bexhill’s De La Warr Parade for several weeks have outstayed their welcome.
But the owners are not breaking any laws by being there, since there is no restriction on parking or overnight stays at the far end of the eastern promenade.
Rother district councillor Deirdre Williams said she was nevertheless taking residents’ concerns seriously and hoped to resolve the situation and prevent it happening again.
She said: “I’m not joking when I say I have had more than 50 e-mails from people living in the area, all expressing anger about the situation.
“They resent the fact that parking spaces are being denied to other users, such as those who have beach huts there; that water is being obtained free from taps in the nearby public toilets; wastebins are overflowing; washing is being draped on fences and so on.”
Cllr Mrs Williams said: “These facilities are paid for by council tax payers. Fine, if visitors are only there for a day or two, but we’re now talking weeks and there are many who clearly think it’s not on for the motorhomers to expect them to subsidise their lifestyle.”
One resident, Colette Aspinall, said: “It makes it difficult for other visitors or locals to park and use the beach. I don’t think I’m alone in my displeasure.”
Another, Geoffrey Hume, said the contingent created “an unsightly mess” likely to deter others from using the promenade.
Police and council officials have visited the site, where up to a dozen dormobiles have parked, but are powerless to act under present regulations.
Cllr Williams said: “It’s time these visitors went. I’d like to see it made illegal to stop there overnight, but that can’t happen immediately. In the short term, water supply has been restricted to prevent over-use and talks are continuing to see what else might be done.”
Rother’s director of services Tony Leonard said: “We are aware of the motorhome issue and have noted the concerns of residents who have contacted us.
“Being a highways matter, this is not Rother’s direct responsibility but is a county council issue. Nevertheless, our senior officers and local councillors have met with East Sussex County Council’s head of highways and Sussex Police to discuss the matter and find a solution.
“At the moment, no restrictions are in place that prohibit motorhomes on East Parade.
“As long as the vehicles are taxed and insured, they are legally permitted to remain at this location overnight.
“It has been concluded that we could look at implementation of a Traffic Regulation Order, but this will take time as it needs to go to public consultation.
“It requires careful consideration, as any restrictions will apply to all vehicles and not just motorhomes, so we need to be mindful about what restrictions should be put in place. In the meantime, our officers will continue to monitor the site for any illegal or anti-social behaviour.”
Link Removed