Residents of Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, have voiced strong frustration after a group of Travellers set up multiple caravans on the town’s seafront lawns on July 13, causing significant disruption to locals and holidaymakers alike. The unauthorised encampment, now occupying prime coastal space near the South Esplanade and Priory Gardens, has led to growing concerns over safety, sanitation, and the impact on the community’s summer season.
Locals report ongoing issues including rubbish dumping—with some alleging that dirty nappies have even been thrown into the sea—alongside signs of internal disputes among the Travellers, including damaged vehicles with smashed windscreens. Retiree Cheryl Boley, who has lived in the town for 60 years, expressed her anger: “We are fuming every time this happens. They leave rubbish behind, tyres, fridges, human waste. It makes my blood boil. If locals did this, they’d be removed immediately.”
Additional eyewitnesses described pets being let loose and a general feeling of insecurity in the area. Many voiced concerns over the duration of the stay, with caravans remaining longer than in previous years. Some locals, like retiree Pat Baldock, are sympathetic to the Travellers but frustrated by the illegal nature of the camping and the damage to public spaces: “I don’t mind if they come for a night or two and pay the parking fees, but this extended stay is illegal and unfair to residents who follow the rules.”
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Local MP Ashley Fox has publicly criticised Somerset Council’s slow response to the situation, stating that it took 12 days to begin legal eviction proceedings after the Travellers arrived, which he described as “simply not acceptable.” He emphasised the strain on local businesses dependent on the summer tourist trade and called for a more efficient and proactive council approach.
In response, Somerset Council explained the legal framework they must operate within, including mandatory court procedures that can delay eviction. Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts highlighted that the council issued a Formal Notice to Leave and scheduled a court hearing for July 25 — the earliest available date. She acknowledged community frustration and expressed willingness to collaborate with the MP in lobbying for faster eviction processes nationwide.
Meanwhile, as of Friday, nine caravans remain parked on the green space by the South Esplanade. Locals continue to watch the unfolding situation, hopeful that a resolution will come swiftly before the summer season is further impacted.