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Cotswolds Parish Acknowledges Tourist Strain, Plans Extra Waste Pickups and Traffic Measures

Local officials say only operational steps—such as extra weekend waste pickup or coach routing—are on the table.

Overview

  • The Bourton-on-the-Water parish council says increased visitor numbers this year have put significant pressure on the village centre and nearby residential and commercial areas.
  • The council notes it has limited statutory powers and is working with Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire County Council, with no authority to cap visitor numbers.
  • Measures under consideration include boosting weekend waste collections from two to three times per day and discussing improvements to coach and car access.
  • Cotswold district councillor Jon Wareing blames a rise in 'fast' social-media tourism, citing reports of verbal and physical harassment and one resident leaving the village.
  • Local traders and some visitors dispute the scale of the issue, arguing most people are respectful and that tourism is essential to the local economy.