The village known as “Venice of the Cotswolds” has been plagued by tourists leaving takeaway boxes and picnic rubbish around its beautiful streets. The beloved village of Bourton-on-the-Water has seen a surge in tourists this year, who civic chiefs say are leaving it in a “disgraceful state”.
Frustrated locals are left hamstrung as visitors trash the picturesque village, which sits on the River Windrush. A huge increase in tourists has led to a spike in littering and local councillors admit they have limited power to solve the problem. One fed-up councillor, Jon Wareing, says the village runs the risk of being victim to overtourism, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
“It’s a disgrace that guests in our community leave it in this state,” he said. Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council released a statement providing residents with updates on measures being implemented to “address the growing impact of tourism” on the village.
Officials are collaborating with Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire County Council and additional organisations to combat the issue.
However, they recognise that as a parish council their authority to resolve the problem remains restricted and have urged local businesses and residents to voice particular concerns with the appropriate authorities.
“We recognise that the increased visitor numbers this year have placed significant pressure not only on the village centre but also on surrounding residential and commercial areas,” the statement reads.
He said the rising numbers of visitors are devastating the village and its surrounding countryside. “It’s a disgrace that guests in our community leave it in this state,” he said.
Mr Wareing has appealed to local authorities to act in the face of growing visitor numbers. Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council released a statement this week providing residents with updates on measures being implemented to “address the growing impact of tourism” on the village.
Officials are collaborating with other local councils, and other organisations to combat the issue, as the parish council admits it has “limited” powers. A spokesperson added: “The parish council has no control over visitor numbers and has no power to close the village.”
The statement reads: “We recognise that the increased visitor numbers this year have placed significant pressure not only on the village centre but also on surrounding residential and commercial areas. While tourism brings economic benefits, it also presents challenges that require coordinated and sustained efforts to be managed effectively.”
The parish council said one of the most pressing issues has been the accumulation of litter, particularly from takeaway outlets and picnickers. This problem has been exacerbated by a reduction in waste collections, which used to happen three times a day.
Earlier this year, it was reduced to two collections, but officials have been assured that removed collections on weekends will be reinstated. The parish council is also calling on local takeaways to do their part.
The statements continues: “We are also initiating discussions with local takeaway businesses to encourage their cooperation in reducing waste.
“Many of the issues residents raise – such as litter, dog fouling, potholes, street lighting, and road signage – fall under the remit of Cotswolds District Council or Gloucestershire County Council.
“While the parish council does work on behalf of residents to raise concerns and push for action on these matters, it is often more effective for individuals to report problems directly to the appropriate authority.
“Together, we can work towards sustainable solutions that preserve the charm and liveability of Bourton-on-the-Water for all.”
