Several Bridlington residents have contacted the Echo to point out a ‘derogatory and wholly sensationalist’ article that appeared in The Sun newspaper and on their website recently.
The story, which describes Bridlington as…’a crack-riddled seaside town’ was written by an agency journalist called Alex Storey and paints the resort in an extremely poor light.
Kimberley Harmer, who has lived in Bridlington for 12 years and is involved in several local charitable organisations and helped to create a vital local resources database for residents during the COVID pandemic, spoke to the Echo, voicing her disgust at the report.
Said Kimberly: “As someone who lives, works, and raises my family in Bridlington, I was both angered and saddened by the article published by The Sun this week, which described our town as a “zombie apocalypse” and claimed we were in a “downward spiral of drugs and despair.”
“Let me say this clearly and without hesitation: Bridlington is not broken, and it will not be defined by lazy stereotypes or tabloid sensationalism.
“Yes, we face challenges, just as every town and city in the UK does. But what we also have is something far more powerful: community spirit, strength, resilience, and pride.
“I’ve lived here for 12 years, and I’ve seen first-hand what Bridlington really is. This is a town that steps up in times of crisis. During lockdowns, neighbours looked out for each other. When people fall on hard times, we feed, clothe, and support them. And when others talk us down, we pull together and rise stronger.
“The article claimed our streets were filled with people who “stumble around like zombies,” and implied that the town is defined by drug use and unemployment. This narrow and unfair portrayal completely ignores the tireless work being done every day by local people, businesses, volunteers, and organisations to support and uplift the community.
“Bridlington is a town of hardworking people, proud families, and deep-rooted British values. We are the Lobster Capital of Europe, a major part of the East Yorkshire fishing economy, and home to some of the most stunning coastline and nature reserves in the country.
“But more than that, Bridlington is driven by people who care. Every day:
“Volunteers clean our beaches, plant flowers, and improve our neighbourhoods, not for headlines, but because they love their home.
“Community groups tackle poverty, mental health, and isolation with compassion and determination.
“Local businesses support our economy, providing jobs and opportunity despite rising costs and tough markets.
“Our charities and youth services are working on the front line to prevent antisocial behaviour and provide hope and direction for young people.
“Fuse Youth Services, for example, offers trauma-informed, creative support for children and teenagers, giving them the tools to manage emotions and make positive choices.
“The Hinge Centre is a lifeline for people in crisis, offering everything from housing support to employment advice.
“New Pasture Lane Community Centre empowers families with food support, skills training, and community events.
Rewilding Youth reconnects young people with nature, and ACES Bridlington celebrates our diverse, multicultural heritage.
“We also have some of the most dedicated youth leaders in the country through the Army Cadets, Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, Scouts, Guides, Police Cadets, and Fire Cadets, all instilling discipline, purpose, and pride in our next generation.
“And let’s not forget the veterans’ clubs who continue to serve their community long after leaving the forces, organising breakfast clubs, fundraising, and supporting one another with dignity and strength.
“In partnership with Humberside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, our community is also embracing the Clear, Hold, Build model, focusing on long-term solutions to crime and regeneration, driven by local voices and sustained action.
“At the heart of all this are our Bridlington Ambassadors, local people of all ages who represent the true face of our town. From tourism guides and school mentors to campaigners and civic leaders, these ambassadors carry our community’s pride with them wherever they go. They are the counterpoint to the story The Sun didn’t bother to tell.
“Because this is the truth: the real Bridlington isn’t one of despair. It’s a place of determination, creativity, compassion, and courage. Yes, we have problems. But unlike a newspaper that drops in for a few hours, takes a few selective photographs, and writes us off with a sneering headline, we stay and fix them. Together.
“Bridlington has survived bombing raids, economic shifts, and decades of underinvestment. And every time, we’ve rebuilt, with grit, kindness, and collective pride.
“We’re not perfect. But we are real!
We’re not a punchline. We are a community!
“And we won’t be defined by anyone who doesn’t know us.
“To the editors at The Sun: if you want to talk about Bridlington, talk to us. Walk our streets properly. Speak to our residents, not just those who fit your narrative. Listen to our volunteers, our teachers, our business owners, our youth.
“Then maybe, just maybe, you’ll understand why we don’t just love Bridlington. We believe in it.
Because Bridlington is beautiful.
Bridlington is brave.
And Bridlington is rising.”
Other people who contacted the Bridlington Echo said the article was a ‘completly negative piece of drivel and was designed to create click bait’ whilst another local said: ‘no one takes anything seriously from a so-called newspaper like the Sun.’
The Sun newspaper has written several features on Bridlington, mainly portraying the town in a bad light.
In November 2023 an article headlined ‘The deprived seaside town where homeless survive in tents by shore… while fake beggars cash in pretending to sleep rough’ saw a reporter dubbing the town ‘…the most deprived area in the country.’
However in October 2024 a Sun reporter visited the town and described it as…’coastal gem (which) has plenty to draw people in. The writer praised the ‘fabulous gym with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the bay’ describing his trip to East Riding Leisure on the seafront. He also highlighted Danes Dyke, RSPB Bempton, and enjoyed a meal at Salt on the harbour. And his visited was completed with a trip to the historic Old Town with a stop off at the popular Georgian Tea rooms.
What do you think… send an email to editor@bridlingtonecho.co.uk.
