INCONSIDERATE parking is causing chaos around one of Cornwall’s most popular beauty spots, with growing pressure for restrictions to tackle the problem at Golitha Falls.

Cornwall councillor Sean Smith (St Cleer & Menheniot) has branded the situation a “massive problem”, warning that visitor numbers and badly parked cars are creating serious issues around the attraction, particularly during busy periods and the holiday season.

Cars are reportedly being left in ways that obstruct access and cause frustration for residents, while the situation is also affecting farmers trying to move around the area.

Cllr Smith believes the pressure has been exacerbated by changes at nearby Siblyback Lake, where a camera enforcement system has driven more dog walkers towards Golitha Falls.

He said: “It’s a massive problem. The issue at Golitha Falls is the inconsiderate parking by people visiting the area. A huge number of people are using Golitha because of the problems caused by the camera system at Siblyback Lake, which has driven many dog walkers away from there and towards Golitha.

“The problem is that farmers cannot get their tractors through, particularly during peak periods and the holiday season. It has become a serious issue.”

The concerns feature in Cllr Smith’s monthly report to St Cleer Parish Council, which confirms that discussions are continuing over possible parking restrictions covering approximately 500 metres.

Cornwall Council Highways, police, parish councils and the Community Area Partnership are involved in discussions about how best to tackle the problem. However, agreement has yet to be reached on the most appropriate approach.

St Neot Parish Council supports permanent restrictions, while St Cleer Parish Council has considered a seasonal approach to address the worst of the congestion during busier months.

Cllr Smith said a proposal was on the table but still needed to be finalised.

“We are liaising with the relevant parish councils and Cornwall Highways to develop a scheme,” he said. “There is currently a proposal on the table that needs to be finalised, which would introduce parking restrictions throughout the year within a 500-metre area.

“Hopefully, that will be put in place within the next one to two years and ease the problems for local residents.”

Cllr Smith said residents had already reported cars blocking access to their properties and vehicles parked irresponsibly along the route.

“We have had residents where cars have been parking in their drive, they have been blocking their drives. Cars have been double parking and everything else,” he said.

His report urges residents to continue reporting obstruction and dangerous parking so an accurate record of incidents can be maintained to support the case for action.

Golitha Falls attracts walkers and visitors keen to enjoy its woodland, waterfalls and surrounding countryside. However, the parking problems have raised questions about how the area can accommodate visitors without disrupting the lives of those who live and work nearby.

With discussions ongoing, residents will be hoping the authorities can agree on effective restrictions before the next busy holiday season brings further congestion to the area.