Villagers call for change after 'weekend of chaos'

Bibury residents say the increasing number of visitors to their village is causing serious concerns over traffic, parking and litter

Residents living in a popular Cotswolds village have called for change after "a weekend of chaos".

Bibury residents believe new rules need to be introduced to tackle tourists causing traffic, parking and litter issues.

Frustrated locals took to social media after streets became "gridlocked" over the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May.

Gloucestershire County Council said restrictions preventing vehicles from waiting in certain areas of the village will come into force this summer.

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the tiny village, which has been described by some as "England's most beautiful".

But after the bank holiday, where coaches and day-trippers left the village gridlocked, residents are demanding change from the county council.

Some residents said it took an hour to travel 1.5 mile (2.4km) through Bibury during peak times over the weekend.

Villagers have said increased litter and aggressive behaviour by tourists is causing some to consider moving out.

Issues with tourists causing traffic problems have been growing for 'many years', residents say

Writing on social media, residents called for change - with many posting pictures of poor parking from coach companies on double yellow lines and across pavements.

“[At] 10:45 BST couldn't get down the village. Got out, looked down the hill - two coaches parked opposite each other by the trout farm, traffic gridlocked. Had to turn round. Utter madness,” wrote one local resident.

“When I moved here 30 years ago it was never like this. It’s such a shame we cannot enjoy our own village,” wrote another.

Residents say they are also becoming frustrated by the behaviour of visitors, with claims that locals have been sworn at and some tourists have been spotted walking into private residences.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said the authority is working with the Bibury Parish Council and Cotswold District Council, who lead on tourism issues, to find solutions.

“Restrictions preventing vehicles from waiting on parts of Ablington Road, The Street, the B4425, Salt Way and Cemetery Lane in Bibury are due to be implemented during the summer," the spokesperson added.

"These restrictions aim to help alleviate tourist congestion and make it easier for both residents and visitors to navigate the roads in Bibury.”