Family loves Filey, but would like to see road and parking improvements
The Whitehead family lives at Primrose Valley in Filey. Mother Mandy, father James, Thomas, 13, and Daniel, 11, love outdoor sports and credit where they live as the perfect place to allow them to indulge their passion, especially sailing.
“We’ve always loved Filey,” said Mandy. “Our main reasons for living in the town are the closeness to the sea and sailing club, and being away from the hustle and bustle of cities.”
The family feels the balance between local facilities for residents and visitors is about right and are positive about the public transport available.
However, they feel the road infrastructure would benefit from improvement, especially the A64, which they view as critical in supporting a year-round economy. The family would also like more affordable parking at sports clubs and other activity venues.
They are happy with the education offer, but say there needs to be more consistency between how
schools are represented at local and countywide sports events.
Mandy and James would like the new council to consider how motorhome users who don’t want long stays at caravan parks could be made more welcome so their valuable business is not lost to other areas.
Mandy said: “Motorhome users seem to have been given a badge of being untidy and not looking after the places they visit.”
She feels this is a small minority of people and better infrastructure to allow short stays in public places such as car parks and seafront locations would attract experienced motorhome users and benefit the economy.
She added: “Many are retired and have the time and money to spend, often in the quieter winter months. They should be encouraged to stay rather than deterred.”
For Thomas and Daniel, who are in the Sea Cadets, access to activities for young people is important. They are both looking forward to the completion of the new skate park in Filey, which will be a safe, well-lit environment to access outside school
hours.