In the picturesque village of Bibury, Gloucestershire, once praised by William Morris as the “most beautiful village in England,” locals are expressing growing frustration over the chaos caused by the flood of tourists.
This idyllic spot, which has drawn countless visitors for its charm, is now facing an issue of over-tourism, with a rising number of cars and coaches flooding the village.
The small community is struggling to maintain its peaceful atmosphere, and some residents even describe it as feeling like the “Wild West” during peak tourist seasons.
The Problem of Over-Tourism
For much of the year, the quiet village becomes overrun with visitors, endangering pedestrians and creating traffic chaos.
Residents argue that while Bibury’s beauty is undeniable, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to navigate and enjoy the area with the influx of tourists.
The situation has led locals to form a working group that includes councillors and even the police, all aiming to find a solution.
Potential Coach Ban on the Horizon
In response to these concerns, Gloucestershire County Council has announced plans to tackle the issue.
One potential long-term measure being discussed is the possibility of banning coaches from stopping or parking in Bibury altogether.
While this drastic step is still being considered, more immediate changes will be implemented in the coming months.
Immediate Changes to Parking
The first step will involve changing the layout of parking bays along the B4425, next to the Swan Bridge in the heart of the village.
These changes aim to prevent coaches from parking or waiting in this busy area, which has become a significant source of congestion.
Future Restrictions and Legal Process
As part of the ongoing efforts to manage the situation, further exploration of restrictions on coach access to Bibury will take place. However, before any new rules can be put in place, the council will need to conduct a legal consultation, expected to begin in early summer.
Long-Term Goals for Bibury
Looking further ahead, the working group has proposed measures that could include a complete ban on coaches stopping in the village.
They also suggest improving signage to direct coaches away from the narrow village lanes.
Additionally, they are considering finding parking spaces for coaches outside of the village and encouraging alternative forms of travel such as walking, cycling, or public transport.
Community Support and Council Response
Councillor Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, emphasized that the goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors.
While the proposed changes may not be welcomed by coach operators, he believes that finding a balanced solution will allow tourists to continue visiting Bibury in a more controlled manner.
He acknowledged the importance of working together with the community to address both safety and congestion concerns.
A Positive Step Forward
Parish council chairman Craig Chapman also expressed his support for the proposed changes, acknowledging the beauty of Bibury but stressing the intolerable pressures placed on residents by the volume of tourists.
He remains optimistic that the measures will be appreciated by the community and that they will bring much-needed relief.
Other Villages Facing Similar Issues
Bibury is not alone in facing these challenges.
Nearby Bourton-on-the-Water has already implemented a ban on coaches entering its town center due to similar issues.
As more and more villages in the Cotswolds struggle with the impact of mass tourism, it’s clear that a delicate balance must be struck between preserving the charm of these places and managing the demands of modern-day visitors.