Residents of Wootton Courtenay, a small village near Minehead in Somerset, have taken to joking about their reputation as potentially the grumpiest community in the UK. With a population of approximately 269, locals Bill Hodgson and Marion Jay have suggested the formation of a "Grumpy Club" aimed at providing a platform for villagers to air their grievances and share their complaints regularly. According to Marion, the idea has garnered significant interest, indicating that “the invention of Grumpy Club isn’t so much an April Fool, but a gap in the market,” reflecting the residents' desire to express their built-up frustrations.

The village is currently witnessing a rising trend of discontent which appears to be echoed in other picturesque communities across the UK, notably Bibury, known for its stunning scenery. In Bibury, the influx of tourists, particularly those arriving by coach, has turned the once peaceful village streets into a crowded and chaotic scene. The issue has incited frustration among residents who feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of visitors. Craig Chapman, chairman of the Bibury parish council, outlined the challenges faced by locals, saying, "the pressures put on us by the sheer volume of tourists visiting and coaches bringing tourists has become intolerable and unacceptable."

In response to the situation, locals have begun considering measures to limit tourist access, including potentially restricting coach travel due to the village's narrow streets and lack of adequate infrastructure to support large groups of visitors. Chapman noted the existing coach bays are disruptive and unsafe, asserting that "Bibury is not a suitable destination for larger coaches."

The sentiment against the tourist influx has also been shared on social media platforms such as Reddit, where various users have expressed concerns over tourists’ disregard for local boundaries. One user, for instance, suggested that traffic restrictions could be implemented to ease the burden on residents, commenting, "They just need to ban coaches or put in some width restrictions so it's only cars."

As both Wootton Courtenay and Bibury navigate these community challenges, the desire for balance between preserving communal life and accommodating visitors appears central to their ongoing discussions.

Source: Noah Wire Services