FUMING locals have blasted tourists for using their beautiful UK island as a “playground” and claim it will never be the same again.
Residents living in Anglesey, North Wales, say their lives are being plagued by inconsiderate visitors and greedy outsiders snapping up second homes.
GettyLocals in Anglesey, North Wales are fed-up with tourism forcing locals out of the area[/caption]
Veteran homeowners in the holiday hot spot claim the area is “a very different place” than it was a decade ago due to strangers using is as “Instagram Island”.
On Facebook, a disgruntled local posted: “I think what frustrates/angers some or many local people the most, is when they see the island which has always been their home, turned into “Instagram island” like all it is is a place on a postcard.
“Whereas to us it’s a living, breathing community which has been people’s homes and a bastion of the Welsh language for centuries.”
The disappointed resident added she’s “so sad” when travelling to parts of the island as it “feels as though I am in England”.
This comes as the traditional Welsh language is slowly disappearing from the community.
“Sadly, the beauty of your wonderful island has become a victim of its own success,” agreed another fed-up local.
‘PLAYGROUND FOR THE RICH’
House prices in the area, as suggested by Rightmove, revealed flats on the market for £60k, meanwhile a three-bedroom coastal property could fetch a whopping £1.95million.
However, as reported by NorthWalesLive, wages on the island are lower than other parts of the UK, and locals live in fear their community will be driven out.
In posts on social media, many homeowners highlighted the issue of younger families fleeing the area due to steep house prices.
They blamed the growing problem on properties being taken by second home owners and greedy landlords renting to tourists rather than long-term residents.
One Anglesey man said: “Imagine living on a street where you are the only permanent resident all year round and every other house on that street is a second home.”
Sadly, the beauty of your wonderful island has become a victim of its own success.”
Disgruntled local
He explained during the busy season hoards of tourists flock to his neighbourhood and park right in front of his house.
“This was our reality for almost eight years,” he continued.
“Yes, there is animosity within our communities towards outsiders because people think that Ynys Môn is a playground for the rich of Cheshire.”
The frustrated resident said he wanted to see council tax upped for second home owners to “help locals stay in communities”.
This was echoed by others who argued for stricter constraints of the holiday let sector.
“Otherwise nobody will be able to afford to live locally to provide the services that the second home and holiday let sectors need to function,” added someone else.
‘ILL-FEELING’
It appears the strong message being sent out by upset residents is starting to be heard.
One woman said she loves the area, having had a holiday home there, and was planning to move full-time.
“But hearing all the unpleasant comments about incomers, and after finding the language too difficult to learn at my advanced age, I felt that I wouldn’t be welcome, so I settled elsewhere,” she explained.
Another regular visitor commented: “I had no idea how much ill-feeling existed.
“I assumed that spending money in shops, accommodation, pubs, tourist attractions etc would be boosting local economies and so paying back for temporarily being able to share all the beauty.”
There is animosity within our communities towards outsiders because people think that Ynys Môn is a playground for the rich of Cheshire.”
Angry resident
This comes as other seaside towns across the UK suffer the same fate.
Furious locals living in Whitstable, Kent, say it’s being ruined by second-home owners – and now they’re fighting back.
The fed-up homeowners say the decline in their community is because of visitors who take over every summer.
Recent complaints include a lack of parking during the warmer months, overflowing litter and noise from rowdy parties.
Elsewhere in the country, residents of Staithes. the northernmost village in Yorkshire, are frustrated with holiday lets.
The village has become a victim of its own success – with rich outsiders snapping up second homes.
Locals now claim most young families in the area have moved out of the pretty village into newbuild estates on its outskirts.
Meanwhile, in Padstow, North Cornwall, glorious golden beaches and picturesque countryside are a hit with tourists – but now its popularity is wreaking havoc with residents.
AlamyResidents say young families are being driven out by steep property prices and second home owners[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
