We live in picturesque fairy tale village – TV aerials and road markings are banned…tourists love it | The Sun

RESIDENTS who live in a picturesque fairy tale village where TV aerials and road markings are banned say that tourists love it.

Downham in Lancashire, is a town frozen in time in a bid to maintain its picture perfect image.

The beautiful village is so proud of its historic character that it even has electricity cables discreetly threaded underneath the unblemished roads.

Owned by the Assheton family, it is their policy to rent local cottages to people who want to be a part of the community.

But the iconic charm of the village sees tourists come in their droves in the summer months to explore the beautiful countryside and meandering roads.

Most residents were happy to welcome tourists to their town with one local describing visitors as "friendly".

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Dawn Allwood, 36, a PT instructor exclusively told SunOnline: "On the whole, the tourists are no bother.

"The village mainly attracts the older generations, who want to admire the countryside and visit the places their favourite TV shows are made.

"Most are friendly and no hassle. I think it’s good for the village."

Stephen Cullen, 40, a business developer, echoed these sentiments,. saying "the council actively encourages tourists to the area".

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The business developer notes that after Brexit and lockdown, the hospitality industry has suffered.

He added: "We have a pub and local shops that need and rely on the tourist trade."

Locals are not surprised tourists are drawn to the unspoilt village which sees TV aerials, power lines and satellite dishes banned.

Elaine Barton, 53, a nurse, said: "It's a beautiful part of Lancashire so it's hardly surprising so many people come here.

"We have lots of walkers and cyclists coming to Downham and it is a very popular route for school children on their DoE expeditions."

But some say that tourists are inadvertently causing a number of problems with blocked roads and traffic.

Stuart Douglas, 68, a retired chef, said: "It's the parking that's the main problem.

"We have a small car park but that soon fills up, resulting in tourists parking their cars on the road.

"When they double park, it can block the road and larger vehicles, including buses and tractors, can't get through.

"Litter is also a problem. Some people need to learn to use the bins or take their rubbish home."

Tim Horne, 52, a systems developer, said: "It is a tiny village and the roads aren’t really built for the amount cars that now arrive on a daily basis.

"It is worse when coach trips turn up. We have had the odd coach which was far too big and ended getting stuck and blocking the road.

"The smaller coaches are OK but it’s the big ones, which cause the problems. They are just too big.

"It is good that people want to come to the village but they need to show a bit of common sense."​

The village’s commitment to preservation had made it a hotspot for period dramas over the years.

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Suranne Jones recently filmed in the hamlet for the BBC’s spooky thriller The Secret Of Crickley Hall, with many scenes shot at the village pub The Assheton Arms.

The 1961 movie Whistle Down The Wind starring Hayley Mills was filmed in the village.

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