ANGRY residents are demanding an end to the growing ranks of parked motorhomes that obscure Swanage’s picturesque seafront.

Scores of campervans regularly arrive on Shore Road before dawn and stay all day to take advantage of the sea view, say residents.

One disgruntled Daily Echo reader said the problem had worsened so much in recent weeks, that Shore Road often “resembles a line of refugee transport”.

Complaints have been flooding into councillors, who say they will be looking into the matter as soon as the dust has settled after the elections.

Mike Norman, of Redcliffe Road, said: “These vehicles cause major obstruction to other vehicles, especially buses and commercial vehicles that have to drive on the pavements for extra room and, at the same time, be aware of open car doors and people crossing.”

Residents are calling for Shore Road to become a No Parking area – but council officials are quick to point out that any such action would also affect cars as well.

Tony Reynolds, who lives in Victoria Road, said: “The vans are no doubt fuelled up outside of Swanage and have full fridges and food cupboards.

“They pay no fees and our local caravan site owners lose out.

“They have a free sea view to wake up to and use the drains to discharge their waste.

“They contribute little or nothing to the local economy and spoil the appearance of our Victorian resort.

“On the pavement side they open their doors, tie up dogs and site folding chairs and all manner of beach items on the pavement.”