Fury as popular Kent beach is 'overrun' by campervans as locals demand introduction of overnight parking fees to clampdown on 'squatter camp'

Residents living in a popular seaside town are calling for overnight parking fees to be introduced along the seafront as they battle an invasion of campervans.

Shingle Bank beach, which is on the north shore of Kent's Isle of Sheppey, is a favourite spot among surfers and paddle boarders and has stunning views across the estuary.

But for nearly six months, a bitter feud has rumbled on in the tranquil seaside town as locals say their beachfront is being plagued by a 'squatter camp' of campervans.

Furious residents say the 'encampment' at Shingle Bank, between Sheerness and Minster, is worse than ever.

Overnight charges are now being explored as an option to appease disgruntled locals and help limit the number of campervans descending on the picturesque beach.

However, mobile home owners have fought back by insisting they don't deserve the blame - and that it is in fact other beach-goers who leave more rubbish.

Swale Council, which runs the Environmental Agency-owned beach, says introducing fees would allow people to enjoy the beach during the day whilst 'dissuading overnight use'.

The proposal is expected to go to public consultation next year after the details are hashed out by the community and leisure committee at the start of next year.

There are currently no charges for motorists to park at the site but vehicles are not allowed to stay overnight - despite many allegedly flaunting this rule.

Residents living near the beach say the number of caravans staying for long periods has increased in recent months.

One local, Tracie Jackson, pointed to the previously free Ship on Shore car park less than 500 metres away, which introduced parking charges in March.

The fees were brought in following a revamp and aimed to stop illegal vehicle dumping and people living on the site.

Ms Jackson believes those caravans have simply moved to the Shingle Bank and feels owners 'should have to pay'.

Pauline, 51, who did not want to give her surname, said: 'There are more than there has ever been up there and a lot of them appear to be there for long periods.'

The situation is said to have even put off some visitors going to the beach.

Former islander Phil Drew, who now lives in Sittingbourne, has been visiting the scenic spot for 17 years in his campervan, but says the beach is now being 'abused'.

'I go with friends in our small campers occasionally for a swim, chat and a coffee just for the day and trundle off around sunset,' he said.

'We always take any rubbish home and often pick up other people's beer bottles and rubbish if we see any.

'Most other camper users do the same from what I have seen, even though the campervan folk get the blame.

'Unfortunately, due to popularity over the last few years, the location is getting abused and is also a meeting point for boy racers so I tend to limit my visits, especially in the warmer weather.'

Councillor Dolley Wooster, who chairs Sheerness Town Council and is a member of Minster Parish Council, welcomed the consultation on parking charges on the beach.

She said: 'The situation at the Shingle Bank is a problem and we need to review people's views before taking any action.

'We need to make sure that the people living in what has become an encampment, especially those who have hit hard times, receive the support they need during what is still a cost-of-living crisis.

'My overwhelming concern is that a report needs to be done to assess the number of people living there and then ask the public for their thoughts on how we can help solve the issue.'

However, some visitors say they are not put off by the caravans.

Alex and Catherine Freeman, from Reading, Berkshire, went kitesurfing after parking on the beach.

The couple, aged 53 and 51, had been staying with friends in Essex but travelled to the Island for the north wind.

Optician Catherine said: 'We thought it was a bit strange to see so many caravans and campervans up here as it isn't exactly prime time for an English summer holiday.

'But we parked up here and did not have any problems.'

Another campervan owner, Jim Smart, who has lived on the Island for 36 years and regularly visits the beach, complained that there have 'never been so many' caravans parked up on the bank for long periods, but feels most do look after the area.

Mr Smart lives in Sheerness but drives to the car park in his Fiat Cab to play on his keyboard by the sea and 'get away from everything'.

'Of course, you do get some bad apples who live up here,' the 67-year-old said.

'But there are also plenty of people who treat the beach with respect by picking up not only their rubbish but other people's as well.

'Because it is free you get all sorts of people using it and it is a community asset for people looking for a cheap day out and this is something we do need to keep.

'There are kitesurfers, people just visiting for the view, fishermen and campervan drivers like myself.

'That's part of the beauty of the area.'

Swale council says it will be working with the local community to find a way for people to best utilise the 'much-loved and well-used' portion of the coast.

A spokesman said: 'We want locals and visitors to be able to use the location to access, and enjoy, our beautiful seafront, but we know the larger vehicles who park for long periods can make this difficult.

'The council have trialled several methods to reduce the number of people misusing the space.

'A width restriction was introduced, which allows cars and medium-sized vehicles to enter but stops larger vehicles from gaining access to the site, which has seen a reduction in their numbers.

'Another option that is being investigated is introducing overnight charges, allowing people to enjoy the beach during the day, whilst dissuading overnight use.'