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Claims that a Cotswold village, often referred to as ‘The Venice of England’, is being ‘spoiled’ by TikTokers have been met with resistance from tourists. District councillor Jon Wareing has voiced concerns that Bourton-on-the-Water is under threat from “TikTok tourists” who are “exploiting the destination’s heritage for clicks”. Cllr Wareing alleges that the peaceful residents of this picturesque village are being ‘harassed and violated’ by individuals merely seeking an Instagram-worthy snapshot. Read more: HMRC tax raid ‘confirmed’ He stated: “This kind of visitor tends to have little real interest in the heritage, culture or natural environment they are exploiting for clicks. They are the ultimate hit-and-run tourists”.However, local business owners and tourists have countered these claims, stating they see no issue with TikTokers and those taking photographs. Tourist Aisha Kazmi, 27, originally from Pakistan but now residing in Leeds, argued that TikTokers should be respected as long as their content is produced in a “positive way”.She commented: “If TikTokers are promoting it as a tourist attraction but not acknowledging it as a residential area and a place of culture then that’s not good. “”So as long as they are creating videos in a positive manner, I believe that’s acceptable. “Her companion Qazi Ahmed, 26, also from Pakistan but currently living in Dublin, suggested that TikTok could actually serve to advertise the village.He remarked: “You’re free to take photos as long as you’re not disturbing other tourists. “”Creating a TikTok is beneficial because it’s essentially promotion, but as long as you’re promoting without causing disruption or infringing on other tourists’ privacy, I think it’s fine. ” He further commented that tourists can both savour the local culture and create their own content.” I’d go anywhere and get memories, take photos and videos, that’s what we’re here for. “Emily James, 30, hailing from Cirencester, remarked: ”A lot of things are done for likes nowadays and all of these platforms.” If you are going to do that [TikToks] here at least give back to the community. That’s what I would do. “”I am strolling around taking photos but obviously I have been in the shops and bought a few bits and bobs and I think that’s what’s important. “She also mentioned that promoting the village by sharing photos and videos on social media isn’t “necessarily a negative thing”.John Hennessy, 60, proprietor of Bourton Riverside Cafe, stated that TikTokers and individuals snapping photos and videos cause “no impact at all”.He said: “Videos being made usually on the bridge don’t ruin anything and they are so few and far between I don’t think they cause an impact at all. “”I think they are making a mountain out of a molehill. It doesn’t seem like an issue. “”It is a sign of the times. You go back 30 or 40 years and people would be taking their cameras here. “”Now things have progressed, people are on TikTok and got their Instagram. “Ian Moriarty, owner of Quirky and The Little Nook, said Bourton has always been a bustling tourist hotspot.He noted that tourists filming TikToks and taking pictures is a phenomenon happening across the Cotswolds and the world, adding that it is ‘normal’. “The larger majority of people come and appreciate and respect the beautiful scenery and the history,” he said.” With the weather being so nice this summer it has meant that there’s been an increase in the number of tourists but I don’t think it’s as much as a problem as he’s reporting. “Mr Moriarty suggested that without the influx of visitors, Bourton would become a “ghost town”.” Certain people have got an issue with Bourton getting busier,” he added.” Without tourists there wouldn’t be any businesses and Bourton-on-the-Water would turn into a ghost town. “”From the local residents that I speak to whilst the busy summer season can be frustrating and challenging due to traffic. “”But overall most local residents that I know and speak to want the tourists coming because then they have the services and the shops to enjoy. “Cllr Wareing expressed his worries about the wellbeing of the locals, as more and more people flock to the village to snap photos and create content for TikTok and other social media platforms.He said: “When people are denied social connection, it has an impact on their mental and physical health. “”One person I’ve been speaking to has decided to leave the village because she finds it unbearable. “”This person is not alone – many people are now saying enough is enough. “Cllr Wareing stated that the problem has been “accelerating for decades”.He said: “Our residents are being denied their local experience: the village is being besieged. “exploit the destination’s heritage for clicks”People can’t find places to park, they are having to go to pharmacies in another community and they are frightened! “”We have local people being threatened when trying to get home, and when they ask visitors to leave their gardens – because it’s not a place to take photos – they are getting harassed! “He further commented: “Tourism is great for understanding different people, being curious about culture and history and heritage. “”It makes the world feel more connected, as we realise we have more in common than difference. “”But this has been lost when we have people being abusive, physically and verbally, to residents who are trying to go about their daily lives. “He mentioned how other villages and towns in the UK, such as Castle Coombe and Bibury – as well as places in Europe – are also experiencing this problem.He stated: “This is going on all over the place. We are experiencing parallels with a place like Venice in Italy. “.