Ilfracombe, a picturesque seaside town in North Devon, is renowned for its stunning beaches, scenic coastal paths, and iconic landmarks such as Damian Hirst’s Bronze Verity sculpture. On the surface, it thrives as a tourist hotspot that enchants visitors like Becky from County Durham, who praised Ilfracombe for its beauty, good weather, affordability, and range of activities, even in poor weather.
Despite its charm and a bustling tourist season that fuels the town’s economy, residents’ perspectives reveal an underlying struggle. Many locals express concerns about the suitability of the town’s housing stock, the decline of the high street, and a troubling increase in anti-social behaviour.
The town’s Victorian heritage, once a point of pride, now presents challenges. Tall, five-storey houses, cherished for their historic appearance, are often impractical and inefficient. Michelle, owner of View Apartments, explains that many of these properties are vacant or derelict due to their unsuitability for modern living. They lack lifts, are difficult for elderly or families to occupy, and are expensive to maintain. Single-glazed windows contribute to poor energy efficiency, making these homes less viable for current needs. Parking difficulties and affordability issues further complicate residents’ lives and contribute to people moving away.
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In response, North Devon Council has launched initiatives to improve housing standards and availability. The Ilfracombe Healthy Homes project, funded with nearly £2 million, aims to renovate and repurpose homes into social housing units. Collaborations with the Ilfracombe Community Land Trust are also underway to develop new affordable homes, signaling hope for better dwelling options.
Tourism remains the lifeblood of Ilfracombe. Local business owners like Ben Fielding acknowledge the vital role summer visitors play in sustaining shops and the local economy. However, despite the influx of tourists, younger residents often leave to seek jobs elsewhere, driven by limited opportunities locally. The council notes that alongside tourism, Ilfracombe is home to some well-paying, skilled employers in high-tech sectors, offering alternative career paths.
While many residents feel safe and enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere, concerns linger about anti-social behaviour. Alcohol and drug-related incidents, street drinking, and sporadic violence create safety challenges, particularly on the high street and public spaces. Police and local authorities are actively working to tackle these problems through enforcement, patrols, and community engagement, though locals believe more needs to be done.
The state of Ilfracombe’s high street is a sore point. Vibrant businesses have shuttered, leaving empty storefronts and diminishing footfall. Shop owners are frustrated by a lack of new investment and ideas to revive the area. Declining amenities, including poorly maintained public toilets suffering from vandalism, reflect broader issues of neglect.
Yet amid these hardships, Ilfracombe’s community spirit shines through. Residents frequently highlight the town’s friendliness, support networks, and active local groups committed to enhancing life in Ilfracombe. This enduring solidarity underscores the town’s resilience.
In sum, while Ilfracombe dazzles tourists with its natural beauty and seaside charm, beneath the surface lies a community facing housing challenges, economic shifts, and social concerns. With targeted investment, community efforts, and ongoing support from the council, Ilfracombe’s proud heritage and unique identity can be preserved and revitalised for future generations.