PD Ports put up a barrier at South Gare restricting vehicle access due to rising anti-social behavior and overnight stays.
Although the area is private land, it has historically been open to the public. Concerns arose last year as locals noticed an increase in motorhomes clogging South Gare Road during the summer, with some staying for days, littering, and partying late into the night.
PD Ports emphasized the area is not a campsite and announced new measures to manage the problems. Last month, they installed the height-restricted barrier. Individuals with access rights can request the barrier’s opening by giving notice beforehand.
George Wilson, who uses a fisherman’s hut to store work supplies, now finds access difficult due to his high-sided van not fitting under the barrier. He claims PD Ports won’t open the barrier when he needs it.
Wilson, who cannot afford a new car, highlights that easy access existed for 90 years. He also said that hut owners did not receive information about the barrier. PD Ports requires 48 hours’ notice for access, but he uses the cabin nightly and can no longer do that.
PD Ports stated that the barrier addresses the issues of anti-social behavior and overnight stays. These issues impacted the gare’s safe operation. They notified tenants and licensees beforehand, including those with access rights, about the changes.
They shared information on how to request the barrier’s opening, believing this strikes a balance between access and security team availability. Separate arrangements are in place for emergency services.
The spokeswoman could not comment on Wilson’s claims, but reiterated that barrier lift requests must have adequate notice. PD Ports monitored the gare situation last year. The gare was built as a breakwater in the 1800s.
PD Ports owns and maintains the gare, which includes tenants and licensees, such as a seal center. Access is via South Gare Road. They successfully defended this access in court. The gare does not have camping facilities. Social media posts incorrectly labeled it a free campsite.
Many parked vehicles blocked emergency access, impacting the company’s operations. CCTV cameras were installed, and additional barriers were added to restrict parked vehicles along the road.
CEO Frans Calje described South Gare as a local landmark of outstanding natural beauty. However, it had become a “free for all” for campers. This situation led to anti-social behavior and bad parking, making it unsustainable.
He stated that they had “no choice” but to act. Emergency vehicles could face difficulties accessing the area, particularly in a water or beach emergency.