Local politicians have slammed the “unfair tabloid stories” criticising Scarborough and urged visitors to “come and see England’s most beautiful seaside resort for yourself”.
A cross-party group of councillors, including the town’s mayor, has criticised several recent “tabloid stories that disrespect our town” as part of efforts to improve the resort’s image. This comes amid criticism that Scarborough has a “lack of investment” and a “high crime rate” as well as a “lack” of downtown shops.
But Scarborough’s charter mayor, independent councillor Janet Jefferson, said: “I go to a lot of town centres and I don’t think we have a bad selection. In fact, we have a lot of independent shops.” Many Teesside residents will be heading to Scarborough this coming bank holiday.
Mayor Jefferson added, “I think it’s a little unfair because everyone is trying their best in the current economic climate to do what they can and invest when they can. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but when I look out my window at the bay, I think it’s beautiful.”
Britain’s first seaside resort is also facing growing concerns about the quality of bathing water in the area, particularly in the South Bay, which is currently rated ‘poor’. But local officials are aware of the problems and are working to address them.
Independent councillor Rich Maw said: “In just a few years Scarborough will be celebrating our 400th anniversary as a tourist destination. We have a lot to be proud of and I hope that in 2026, four hundred years after Mrs Farrer discovered the healing springs, we can celebrate in style!”
He added: “We have made this (water quality) such a high priority that action is finally being taken and resources are being deployed. And I am genuinely optimistic that blue flags will finally fly proudly over our beaches.”
Conservative councillor David Jeffels, former chairman of the British Resorts Association and city councillor, agreed that improving the appearance of the streets, particularly in the city centre, was a “priority” and that “an action plan with broad participation and input of ideas” was needed in several areas.
He added: “But North Yorkshire Council does not have the financial or human resources to tackle the problem alone. We need the support of businesses to keep the streets clear of vegetation and encourage property owners to create new shopping opportunities.”
“Golden opportunity”
In 2023, Time Out named Scarborough one of the top destinations in the UK, while Cond Nast Traveller called it perhaps “England’s prettiest seaside resort”. The last 12 months have also seen new investment at the resort in Alpamare water park and approval for a zipline experience in the North Bay, while the Open Air Theatre continued to attract big acts and huge crowds.
Coun Maw also highlighted the historical and cultural attractions: “Visitors to the city can explore the magnificent Peasholm Park and our wonderful art galleries, or take a guided tour of the fascinating Rotunda Museum before heading to the magnificently restored South Cliff Gardens and then taking the truly historic funicular railway down to Scarborough Spa.”
Planned celebrations to mark the town’s 400th anniversary as the first spa town are also high on many agendas. Councillor Jeffels said this could be a “golden opportunity to reinvent Scarborough as one of the country’s leading holiday destinations”.
In Scarborough, Councillor Jeffels added, there are several influential organisations working to bring about improvements: the parish council, the Town Team, the Let’s Talk Scarborough campaign, the Civic Society, the planned Local Visitor Economic Partnership covering the whole of North Yorkshire and York, and, from May next year, the new parish council.
“Of course, with the increasing number of people holidaying in the UK, there is room for improvement, so as a town we need to prepare for that possibility. Scarborough has a great past and a great future if we take the opportunity to make it a model among British holiday resorts,” added Councillor Jeffels.
When asked what she would say to people who are considering visiting the city but aren’t sure yet, Mayor Janet Jefferson replied, “You just have to stand there and look out over the bay and that lovely view and you know you’re going to have great memories because we have so much to offer for all ages.”
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