Motorhomes plan for Whitby's Abbey Headland car park to boost town's economy

Members of Scarborough Council’s Conservative opposition group have called on the authority to allow motor homes to park up in Whitby during the winter months in order to stimulate the post-Covid economy of the town.
Whitby's Abbey Headland car park
picture: Google imagesWhitby's Abbey Headland car park
picture: Google images
Whitby's Abbey Headland car park picture: Google images

The Conservatives are supporting a proposal put forward by their former councillor Sandra Turner, who wants the vehicles to be able to use the Abbey Headland car park at Whitby Abbey in the off-season.

There is hope that the scheme could work as there are toilet and water facilities on the site already and the group believes a nominal charge could be levied.

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Cllr Derek Bastiman, leader of Scarborough Council’s Conservative Group, said: “We welcome good ideas wherever they come from in the spirit of cooperation and in the best interest of all the businesses in Whitby and the surrounding areas.

“We would hope that other similar initiatives could be explored throughout the borough to extend the season and promote the local economy and employment which has suffered drastically in this crisis.

“If our economy is to recover we need the skills of all local business and community leaders to be recognised and used by the current administration in the Town Hall.”

There are more than 250,000 registered motorhomes in the UK

Hero Sumner, of Whitby Eastside Traders and who also sits on Whitby Town Council, has backed the proposal, saying that motorhomes are often discouraged from town centre car parks for taking up too much room.

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She added: “By offering a more welcoming, dedicated area for them so close to the Abbey and facilities within the town would undoubtedly help to provide a more inclusive environment and give the assurance that all visitors are once again welcome.”