DRUNKEN fans of the hit BBC show Poldark are turning the small fishing community where it was filmed into a “British Ibiza”.
Charlestown near St Austell has been a magnet for viewers since the steamy series starring Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson hit our screens in 2015.
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But what was once a boost to the locals has become a nightmare for angry residents who say they are preparing for yet another summer of hell.
Their idyllic harbour will be turned into a “party centre”, leaving many afraid to go out after dark, they say.
Charlestown, which is home to ancient tall ships and looks like a scene straight out of the late 18th century and early 19th centuries, is one of the main spots used in Poldark.
The programme, which ended after five seasons in 2019, was watched by millions, many of whom were inspired to take a trip to the South West.
Thousands still visit every year to catch glimpses of where Ross and Demelza Poldark once walked.
However, that popularity has come at a price according to those who have to put up with the rowdy and anti-social behaviour of devotees who flood the picturesque village’s renowned restaurants and pubs.
While manageable during daylight hours, it’s a totally different picture after dark.
Retired businessman David Nicklin said: “Charlestown is a village of 480 households, but has the largest concentration of bars and restaurants for a radius of 15 miles.
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“In recent years, due to the Poldark effect and the decline in the number of pubs and restaurants in St Austell, Charlestown has become the centre for the night-time economy.
“The quiet, world heritage, tall ships harbour that families visit during the day changes after dark.
“We’re not yet Cornwall’s Ibiza, but without careful supervision or management we could be.
“We’ve reached the tipping point and we do not intend to go beyond this point.”
The 72-year-old blamed pop-up venues that spring up temporarily during warm weather.
“Many of these are operated by people from outside the village and they feel that they only have 10 weeks during the summer to make their money,” he added.
“It means that they encourage binge drinking and don’t really have much thought for the rest of the community.
“The pubs which are part of the village act very differently and are run professionally, but the same can’t be said for these pop-up venues.”
The concerns were brought up during a recent Cornwall Council licensing meeting, with officials agreeing that Charlestown’s “expanding drinking culture” was becoming a serious issue.
‘UNACCEPTABLE’
Alison Cleave, 48, an artist who lives in St Austell, but works near the harbourside in Charlestown, said: “The drinking culture we have now in Charlestown is at a level never before experienced.
“We saw the village become the night-time entertainment centre for St Austell.”
Another resident, John Bingham, 74, added: “Charlestown has become a drinkers’ paradise and that the effect on locals was unacceptable.”
While a local woman, who did not want to be named, said: “We’ve seen what has happened to other Cornish villages like Rock, Padstow and Newquay where lots of young people congregate and make locals’ lives almost unbearable.
“This is the last thing that we want to see happen here in Charlestown.
“It’s great being known for the place Poldark is filmed, but we don’t want to get a name for being a summer drinking haunt for youngsters.”
But hairdresser Victoria Wallace, 46, said the picture wasn’t as black and white as many make out.
She said: “The vast majority of publicans in the village have to live and work within our community so they know where the boundaries lie.
“After lockdown, when people were unable to go abroad, they headed to places like Charlestown and they let off steam, probably too much, which led to problems of anti-social behaviour.
“Although it’s not as bad as it has been, there is a fear that the cost of living crisis will again force people to look for cheaper holiday options and Charlestown could be in the firing line again.
“But visitors have to act responsibly if they aren’t going to turn the lives of those living in the area to one of misery.”
Last September, a man was assaulted by drinking youngsters after he went to the former Lusty Pirate – which was hosting a DJ event – as a concerned resident.
The victim, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It was not an isolated incident.
“Similar trouble happens throughout the summer. This past year has just become the worst year.
“We don’t feel safe in our village. Older people just refuse to go out after dark.”
Other films and TV shows to be shot in Charlestown include Doctor Who, Alice in Wonderland and Treasure Island.
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