A TOTAL of 150 responses from the public have been received by a council over controversial plans to restrict parking at Cowbar, near Staithes.

Redcar and Cleveland Council is proposing putting two traffic regulation orders in place after complaints from residents in the village about camper van and motorhome users parking overnight on Cowbar Lane and some staying for days.

Residents say waste and litter is regularly left behind by campers, precious flora and fauna is being destroyed and the single track lane is not designed to take the level of tourist traffic it currently does.

But the plans have been labelled as unfair by some motorhome users who say there aren’t enough facilities for them generally.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has also revealed accounts from visitors who allege they have been harassed and intimidated by locals.

A council spokesman said: “The council aims to consult and inform with residents and visitors on parking issues as much as possible and our officers have been made aware of recurring issues with parking at Cowbar Lane and the surrounding area, including overnight camping of motorhomes, disposal of waste and concerns about the impact on the local environment, including the grass verges. 

“That’s why traffic regulation orders are being proposed. 

“As part of the process, a consultation exercise has taken place and 150 people have responded to voice their thoughts on the proposals. 

“A report is now being prepared for consideration before a final decision is made.”

The spokesman did not state a timescale for the decision, although the council has previously stated the parking restrictions, which restrict waiting and limit the use of a small, free car park, could be in place early next month.

Cowbar is a stopping off point for some visitors to Staithes and also walkers accessing the nearby Cleveland Way.