Once praised by 19th-century writer William Morris as “the most beautiful village in Britain,” the idyllic Cotswolds' village of Beverly is on the verge of banning coaches due to tourist havoc. The picturesque Gloucestershire Hamlet has been flooded with visitors in recent years, some of which have trespassed into residents' property to capture the perfect photographs. In response to the escalating situation, locals formed a task force that included councillors and police officers, but Gloucestershire County Council announced plans to fight overtourism.
Initially, the parking layout will be changed over the next two months to block coaches at the B4425 ravey adjacent to Swan Bridge in the centre of the village, or to wait in the parking lot. The second phase of the plan involves further investigations to impose restrictions on coach access to the village centre.
As Gloucestershire County Council considers banning these heavy vehicles from quaint streets, Beverly, a picturesque village often damp for tourist coaches, may soon sigh in relief.
The working group's long-term plans include investigating village coach stops and parking bans and improving signs to avoid them from narrow lanes.
They are also looking at potential parking lots outside the village for their coaches, Mirror reports.
To reduce crowds, the group is promoting alternative travel options for tourists, such as walking, cycling and public transport.
MailOnline cites Councillor Stephen Davies, Gloucestershire County Council leader, who expressed his commitment to community safety and the visitor experience.
He acknowledged the need for cooperation and the potential unpopularity of the proposals among coach operators. “We would like to thank the community for their support and cooperation in implementing these changes.
“We understand that these suggestions may not be popular with coach operators, but we are determined to work to find solutions that will allow coach tourists to visit Bevery, but this will take time.”
Davies further highlighted the council's balanced approach. “Therefore, we tried to find a compromise solution that would provide results that would continue to welcome visitors, while also addressing concerns about village safety and crowding.”
Parish Council president Craig Chapman has expressed concern over tourist pressure on Bevery, describing the influx of coaches as “unbearable and unacceptable.”
Despite current issues, he is optimistic about the proposed plan to alleviate the situation and believes they will be welcomed by the community.
Located on the Colne River in Gloucestershire, Beverly is famous for its Arlington Row, a picturesque set of 14th century cottages that adorn British passports and are considered one of the Cotswolds' most iconic images.
