Whitby: A town divided over the thorny issue of second homes
While many feel that second home owners and holiday makers contribute significant value to the local economy, others described how family members had been affected by a lack of affordable housing.
Resident Kerri Hutchinson said: “Tourism is the biggest part of our economy here in Whitby, without tourists many of us wouldn’t have jobs.
"I think there’s a big difference between holiday lets and second homes left empty most of the year. I’ve grown up in Whitby and over the years I have seen more and more local businesses opening up and more job opportunities.
"I’m proud of my beautiful home town, and I love that so many people around the country want to visit and also think it’s beautiful.
But fellow resident Nathan Welham said: “Most locals who have deep rooted ties to the town, whose families have been established here for at least the past 60 years can agree that the issue of housing is the most major issue facing locals.
"The town is more than happy and welcome to have people move here and work/live here.
"But when that becomes a second unoccupied home for six months of the year or former home converted to holiday let, then that’s just houses taken off the market for a family turned to business and profit.”