Residents say they don't want their historic seaside town “turned into the British Magaluf” and have urged their council to re-think redevelopment plans.
Locals in picturesque Scarborough are angry that their famous west pier is about to be transformed and are fighting back again the plans.
The area is being turned into what the authority hope will be a modern “must visit” tourism destination - but many are furious.
The traditional fishing town will lose its charm, some say and they don't want the top-end restaurants, bars or street food kiosks to change the landscape.
The regeneration project will turn it into a trendy destination for millennials, residents says with fears growing the north Yorkshire town’s industry and trade could be hit.
Scarborough council say the plan has been approved by councillors following a consultation process.
But it hasn't gone down well as people urged decision makers to change their minds.
Bob Roberts, 74, told The Sun: “We don’t want this place turning into Magaluf - this is a historic part of the town where people have fished for centuries.
"People come to visit the pier. The reality is that they come here for a pint of John Smith’s and their fish and chips."
Neil Arton runs a gift shop selling rock and fudge and says trade will be hit.
He said: “You ask anyone - nobody is in favour of this. It’s not what people come to Scarborough for."
Locals also claim they haven't been correctly consulted and their pleas have been ignored.
A council spokesperson said in a statement: “Our aim is for the scheme to support and help the fishing and hospitality industries to prosper, while at the same time creating a destination that becomes the focal point for leisure activity and events within South Bay.
“The plans have the backing of government, many other town centre business owners and leaders who form the Town Deal board for Scarborough.
“We disagree with the claims of lack of consultation. Regular consultation has taken place with people that will be directly impacted by the scheme and other interested parties since the inception of the project in June 2021.
"There have been many opportunities for views to be shared and listened to.
“Activity has included individual and group engagement sessions, design consultation and other ad hoc meetings and briefings. More sessions are planned for April.
"Engagement will also continue up to and beyond the planning application stage.”
