Residents of Weston-super-Mare, a South West seaside town, have voiced concerns that the area is in decline, citing a deteriorating high street dominated by charity shops and vape outlets, along with rising drug issues. The town’s historic Birnbeck Pier, once used during World War Two for testing bouncing bombs, urgently needs restoration, adding to local frustrations.
Despite these challenges, long-time resident and sailor Robert Cope remains hopeful. At 62, Cope has seen the town evolve over decades and acknowledges the presence of derelict hotels that deter tourists. He criticized the local council for insufficient support, noting barriers to initiatives like his attempt to introduce horse and carriage rides along the seafront. Cope observed an influx of new visitors, some who typically head to Cornwall, but felt local hotels have yet to capitalize on this interest.
Karen and Andrew Dudley, residents near Weston, lament the closure of key stores like Marks and Spencer and TJ Hughes, describing the high street as “really not very good,” cluttered with phone shops, second-hand stores, and vape shops. They praised the town’s architectural heritage but emphasized the need to attract quality independent businesses and improve amenities for locals.
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The couple also expressed disappointment about the condition of Birnbeck Pier, which faces a £5 million funding gap after the RNLI pulled out of a restoration project. Meanwhile, the recently rebuilt Grand Pier enjoys strong community support, though locals like the Dudleys suggest adding features such as a lido to enhance its appeal.
Younger residents and workers share mixed feelings. Cheyanne Boyle, 23, highlights drug problems and a lack of appealing shops, prompting her to visit nearby towns for entertainment. Amanda Oliver, a Weston lifelong resident, bluntly remarked on the town’s stagnation and the closure of many high street shops.
Traffic congestion and parking issues exacerbate frustrations. Retired resident David Edwards criticized council policies, including parking charges on the seafront and unpopular traffic schemes. He contends these decisions unfairly burden local people while benefiting the wealthy. Edwards has reached out to council leadership but claims his concerns were ignored.
Newcomers like Sim Mukherjee, who recently moved from Manchester, praise Weston’s peacefulness, friendliness, and natural beauty, though she agrees road improvements are needed to ease travel to nearby Bristol.
Retired couple Sue and Steve Mantyk enjoy visiting Weston but find modern parking payment systems confusing for older residents. They reflect nostalgically on Weston’s past as a popular holiday destination before affordable overseas flights changed British seaside tourism.
In response to these varied views, Councillor Mark Canniford defended ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Weston-super-Mare. He highlighted a vibrant town centre featuring independent shops, a successful weekly market, and a growing arts and culture scene. Significant investments have been made, including a £20 million government grant supporting major projects like the restoration of Birnbeck Pier and redevelopment of the Tropicana event venue.
The council also points to booming housing demand, with house prices rising faster than the national average, and notable inward investment, such as the arrival of US tech giant Epic. Canniford expressed optimism about the town’s future, emphasizing active collaboration with the town council and key partners to drive positive transformation.
While Weston-super-Mare faces clear challenges with its high street, historic sites, and community concerns, efforts and investments are underway to restore its appeal and create a brighter future for residents and visitors alike.