The thriving coastal town of Whitby is witnessing a local divide over the impact of tourism on the community. Whitby's picturesque harbour is one of the UK's top seaside destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year to its scenic beauty. However, as property prices skyrocket in and around this popular spot, known for serving the UK's finest fish and chips and being the 'birthplace' of Dracula, residents are growing concerned about the dissolution of their community as second homes are quickly bought up, forcing their children to move away.
According to 2021 data, over 34 per cent of properties in Whitby are not permanently occupied, with more than 21 per cent being used as second homes or holiday rentals. Locals and tourists have shared their views on the housing crisis that has led the local authority to double council tax on second homes in an effort to prevent Whitby's community from changing beyond recognition, reports the Express . READ MORE Manchester Airport issues update after weekend of travel chaos William Jobling and his wife Joyce, both 84, who are retired and hail from the market town of Yarm in Teesside, were visiting for the day.
He said: "My father and mother lived here and we had a Whitby sweet shop for 20 years. It's all changed - there's too many fish and chip shops for starters. It's always busy.
" Despite the changes, William believes "tourism is a good thing for the area" even though soaring property prices are driving younger residents out of .
