Locals are furious that an ‘invasion of Londoners’ into their quaint Kent seaside town is ‘ruining’ the area.
They claim traffic has become unbearable, house prices have rocketed and jobs are harder to come by now in Sandgate, as a result.
The small town, just outside Folkestone, is known for quaint beaches and colourful homes, and sits on the south coast.
But its calm and unique charm is now attracting thousands of Londoners to move in and make it home – leaving locals fuming.
Stats show 60 per cent of homes in the town are now being purchased by those from the capital.
When the Daily Mail visited this week, there was an obvious divide between the two groups.
But those who have moved from London strongly defended their decision, saying it had improved the area and boosted the town’s economy.
Margaret Fell, 77, described it as an ‘invasion’.
Locals are furious that an ‘invasion of Londoners’ into the seaside town of Sandgate is ‘ruining’ the area. Pictured: A general view of the seafront
Sandgate locals claim traffic has become unbearable, house prices have rocketed and jobs are harder to come by
Stats show 60 per cent of homes in the town are now being purchased by Londoners
The retired teacher said: ‘It’s quite sad because I don’t know many people here now. I’ve lived in the town for 50 years and I used to know everyone. Now I walk into town and I don’t know anyone quite often.
‘They have come from London and invaded. It’s a great shame. I think it’s gone too far. What started out as a nice boost and a bit of a resurgence has now just gone over the top. I hear a lot of young people say it is pushing up property prices, so they cannot afford to live here. So they move out and are replaced with those out of the area who can afford it.
‘New residents and new homes won’t do any good trying to get a doctor’s appointment locally as well. The traffic has become an issue as well. It’s being ruined.’
Retired musician Simon Mundey, 65, said the situation ‘really annoyed him’.
He said: ‘I moved here ten years ago and there’s been serious changes since then. I don’t like it here.
‘I don’t like the gentrified yuppies from London who have moved in. They are boring.
‘It really annoys me what has happened.
‘They want to cancel everything. They want a cancel culture.
Local Simon Mundey, 65, said the situation ‘really annoyed him’
Roger Joulin, 74, moved from London 20 years ago, and said many more people have made the same move in the last few years
Child psychotherapist Jane Nash, 59, moved from London just a few weeks ago from east London
‘I don’t like what this area has become.’
Roger Joulin, 74, moved from Blackfriars in London 20 years ago, and said many more people have made the same move in the last few years.
He said: ‘It’s most certainly pushed house prices up in the area. So some people trying to buy a house are struggling.
‘Traffic has become worse, there’s more cars on the road. The people themselves are great.’
Lucy Williamson, 54, said she worried the town would lose its ‘charm’.
She said: ‘It’s bustling and busy in the summer. But if all these people move out and go back in the winter, it could leave things quite vulnerable.
‘It’s a secret little gem I think. We get tourism but also it stands on its own legs and that’s because of locals. That’s locals who have been here many years.
‘If people are moving down to stay, that is great. But we don’t want to become a tourist destination. That causes real problems.’
Mark Wes moved from Bexley in south east London two years ago
Those who have moved from London strongly defended their decision, saying it had improved the area and boosted the town’s economy
The small town, just outside Folkestone, is known for quaint beaches and colourful homes, and sits on the south coast
The town’s calm and unique charm has attracted thousands of Londoners to move in and make it home – leaving locals fuming
Mark West, owner of Yap’s Cafe, moved from Bexley in south east London, two years ago.
The 63-year-old said: ‘It’s a beautiful town. I’m so glad I came down here. So many more people are coming.
‘It’s become the area is great and London has gone downhill. Sadiq Khan is the worst mayor on the planet.
‘Crime is out of control in London, but there’s barely any here. There’s no community in London, there’s a big one here. You feel welcome here, I didn’t in London. I felt like I was being fined and caught out every five seconds.
‘I didn’t feel safe. It’s changed forever.
‘I could sell a £500,000 terraced home in Bexley and get a mansion down here.
‘I’ve been made to feel very welcome. I know there’s concerns people have about those coming from London. But I have opened this cafe and love it.’
Full-time mum Debbie Pinto moved from London six years ago and urged others to do the same.
Picture shows a general view of Sandgate high street
When Mail Online visited Sandgate this week, there was an obvious divide between the two groups
Picture shows a genera; view of Sandgate town centre
Pictured: A row of coloured huts on Sandgate’s seafront
The 62-year-old said: ‘It’s glorious. It’s only one hour on the train into London, it works great.
‘I can see why some locals are annoyed. I sympathise with them. You hear their concerns around property prices.’
Child psychotherapist Jane Nash, 59, moved from London just a few weeks ago from east London.
She said: ‘There’s some lovely places here. It’s a beautiful place. I think people moving in brings benefits to the area.’
