CERTAIN sections of Falmouth society appear to be up in arms at the idea that other - perhaps lesser - sections of society may be sleeping on our beautiful seafront in vans. Or worse, tents.
Terms such as “anti-social behaviour,” and the sternly Victorian-sounding “vagrancy” have been bandied about quicker than you can sling a tarpaulin between two trees. But, I ask, why not live and let live?
As someone not-impartial to a bit of the outdoors life, I can very much see the attraction of spending your days moving from place to place with a different spot to stay every night. Some will prefer their glass-plated beach-front view fixed in place, but not all.
Admittedly, it is important to ensure safety and cleanliness are enforced - no one wants to see piles of festering rubbish or watch half the point go up from an out of control fire - but that aside what harm are they doing?
Others warn that these are not bona fide travellers, but people without a home to go to. In which case, all the more reason to show them some compassion.
As rents rocket each year, especially in a county where the cost of living outstrips wages and jobs, we should be helping those who turn to boats, vans or tents as their home. I even know one poor journalist who briefly had to make do in such fashion.
One final thought. A little bird tells me not all of FBRA are absolutely against this idea. One member, questioned over seafront sleepers, replied: “Good on them.”
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