2 days ago
Our town is being shamed by ridiculous Tripadvisor tourist reviews that say it's drug-riddled and covered in dog poo
WITH its golden sandy beaches, blue lapping seashore and peppering of fishing boats, this British seaside town looks like the perfect staycation holiday spot.
But local residents have been forced to defend their hometown after scathing Tripadvisor reviews slammed the resort as "full of dog poo" and haunted by drug addicts.
Residents have now hit back at critics after Scarborough was dubbed "tacky and overrated".
One review read: "AVOID, AVOID, AVOID! Dog poo all over."
Another added: " I was very disappointed to be dodging dog poo, I know it's the dog owners responsibility to pick up, however where are the dog fowling signs?
"This became a bigger issue when the sun went down as you couldn't see it until it was too late.
"Also the bins where overloaded and well due an empty.
We use to love this place for its cleanliness."
And a third said: "Lots of drug use."
Aside from a period in the 1990s, when the tourist hotspot was awash with drug abusers who lingered around Peasholm Park, locals say Scarborough has been reborn.
The Open Air Theatre now attracts huge crowds for top class acts and the Odeon has been transformed into the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Chalet owner Nikii Walker, 46, from Old Farnley, Leeds, came to the North Yorkshire resort as a student to study dance, music and technology.
For her, the negative reviews bear no semblance on the truth.
Gesturing at the view of the North Bay, she said: 'How is it tacky? Look at it. It's bloody beautiful.
'You have the wonderful sea and brightly painted chalets. We have the castle."
Referring to the town's nightlife, she said: "There is not [much nightlife here] any more, but that does not matter as I have grown up.
'We have the sea, and beach, a run, swim and Dalby Forest right next to us. What more could you ask for?
'We had the most beautiful day only last week walking up at The Castle. It looked amazing.'
Seafront waitress Lily Eve, 18, added: 'I was born and bred in Scarborough and I love living here.
'I love the beach and the town. There may not be any proper nightclubs here any more but people still have a good time.
'I am learning to surf and the waves are brilliant and the sea is generally clean although it does have its moments.'
Amber Millar, 22, was born in Scarborough and now works as a dog walker.
In response to criticisms about the town's dog poo epidemic, she said: "You really do not see much of it."
She added: 'You could walk all around the North Bay and Marine Drive and you're not going to see any dog poo.
'We have lots of lovely small shops and businesses. When people say Scarborough they associate it just with amusements.
'But we have two beautiful bays and Peasholm Park where I always walk my dogs because it is beautiful and full of friendly people.
'People might say I am biased because I live here. But I love the sea and they take care of the beaches.
'When people say it is not very nice I think they are just listening to a very small minority. We love our seaside town.
'We do not want to be overrun by tourists. The businesses need the tourists because for most of us it is our home.'
The harsh reviews come as plans to revitalise the town centre are being set into motion.
Plans include a major revamp of the Brunswick shopping mall and reinstating a local cinema after the Odean closed in the 80s - and was later converted into Sir Alan Ayckbourn's Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Jim Hughes, 73, who used to manage the town's Brunswick shopping centre before he retired, called the town a "lovely" place.
Walking his small dog Bella on the promenade with Katheryn Baggallay, 67, he said: 'I think Scarborough is a lovely place. It is very clean, very tidy and well presented.
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'The beaches are well controlled for dogs with certain areas designated no dogs which makes it really family friendly.
'There are plenty of bins around the seafront and town which help keep the town clean and tidy. There are lots of things for families and kids to do.
'We have plenty of parks, including Peasholm park, a wonderful cricket ground where first class cricket is played and two superb golf courses.
'There is something for everyone.'
Despite this, Jim admitted Scarborough had become quite run down and he was looking forward to the Brunswick's revamp later this year.
He added: 'It will be a real bonus for the area and hopefully attract more quality shops back to the town centre and better things into the town.'
For Katheryn, the area is far from "tacky" and there is plenty of countryside for people to go and wander around.
Though, she added, the town could benefit from more "family things".
For retired pitman Terry Heselden, 77, there is "nothing wrong" with Scarborough.
He said: "I have a caravan just down the road so I am here all the time and have never known anything wrong with Scarborough.
'I take the dog here on the beach on the North Bay and South Bay. The council run gardens are all immaculate.
'We have coming here 23 years. I know the Grand Hotel has got a bit of a reputation now. But I can remember going in there 30 years ago.
'It has gone downhill a bit over the years. But apart from that it is a lovely town. I have never seen any dog poo laid about and I am down here twice a week.'
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