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DRIVEN MAD

Our picturesque seaside town is being ruined by tourists – they’re clogging our beach with cars

BRITS living in a picturesque seaside town say it is being wrecked by tourists in their cars.

The coastal resort of Exmouth, Devon, is famed for its stunning beach, turquoise sea and pastel-coloured beachfront houses.

Brits living in picturesque Exmouth say it is being wrecked by tourists in their cars
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Brits living in picturesque Exmouth say it is being wrecked by tourists in their carsCredit: Alamy

Offering an old school British seaside experience, the port town is a much-loved holiday destination for many.

Over 2.9 million visitors flocked to resort in 2015 alone.

But while injecting a monster £183million boost to the economy that year alone, one councillor says the town is struggling to cope.

Despite offering eight car parks off the two mile long beach, Olly Davey says Exmouth is buckling under the torrent of cars.

Read More on seaside towns

Speaking at a council meeting this week, Olly Davey said: "It would be good if people didn’t all come in their cars and we had a much better connection between the train station and the seafront.

"Something has got to change, something has got to be built, or un-built, or re-built."

Councillor Andrea Davis said the town can get "very congested" and said it was a "concern" of locals.

She explained: "With more visitors comes more traffic.

"Particularly in the summer, main routes like Marine Way and Imperial Road can get very congested."

Last week, residents and businesses were asked to help develop proposals to ease the strain on the town's roads.

East Devon Council wants more walking and cycling options thrown up around the town to help.

They say the plans will "reduce the town’s reliance on cars", by encouraging shorter journeys and improve connectivity across Exmouth.

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