The Conservative Group on Scarborough Borough Council today call for support for a proposal put forward by former Councillor Sandra Turner to extend the season in Whitby by allowing motor homes to use the Abbey Headland car park during the winter months. There are toilet and water facilities on the site already and a nominal charge could be levied. There are at least 250,000 motor homes registered in the UK and they are an important part of the tourism industry with disposable income that could be usefully spent in Whitby.
Leader of the Conservative Group on Scarborough Borough Council Cllr Derek Bastiman said
“We welcome good ideas wherever they come from in the spirit of cooperation and in the best interest of all the businesses in Whitby and the surrounding areas. We would hope that other similar initiatives could be explored throughout the Borough to extend the season and promote the local economy and employment which has suffered drastically in this crisis. If our economy is to recover we need the skills of all local business and community leaders to be recognised and used by the current administration in the Town Hall.”
Hero Sumner representing Whitby Eastside Traders also adds her support to the proposal –
“This idea would be great news for us all if Scarborough Council were to take this more ‘inclusive’ approach. Many of our regular visitors are motorhome and camper van owners and they are a great contribution to our local economy. They are a gregarious bunch and often meet up from all corners of the country. As you’re no doubt aware, there are currently less than adequate facilities to enable them to feel welcomed either as groups or individuals. The car parks discourage them as they take up extra room and residents certainly don’t appreciate their presence when parked outside their homes. This has led to many of these visitors saying they feel alienated and a lot less inclined to visit.
By offering a more welcoming, dedicated area for them so close to the Abbey and facilities within the town would undoubtedly help to provide a more ‘inclusive’ environment and give the assurance that all visitors are once again welcome. It is a testament to the team spirit, ingenuity and creativity of Whitby businesses and communities to have created solutions where others might see problems.”
