"Whitby is full": Does the seaside town have too many tourists?

The man was one of a group of locals who objected to an application by the owner of the Endeavour, which is now berthed in Whitby Harbour, to sell alcohol.

'Party boat' row over Endeavour licensing application

Members of the public were invited to the Scarborough Borough Council licensing hearing yesterday to put forward their views on plans to convert the replica of Captain Cook's ship into a fine dining restaurant and function venue.

Twenty residents living near Endeavour Wharf had stated their opposition to businessman Andrew Fiddler's plans - citing concerns about noise and visitor numbers.

Mr Fiddler was moved to reassured objectors that the 'hen and stag party crowd' would not be welcome aboard the vessel, which arrived in Whitby in June.

The council granted a premises licence on the condition that alcohol sales were restricted to certain times.

Keith Blessed voiced fears over Mr Fiddler's prediction that 150,000 people would tour the ship - which will also host educational visits - every year.

He told the committee: "Whitby does not need any more tourists. We are full."

The committee was satisfied that alcohol sales would be confined to the restaurant area below deck and that there would not be any noise nuisance created by the venture.

The 1993-built replica was previously moored in Stockton-on-Tees before Mr Fiddler bought the boat.