Young People Reflect on Life and Challenges in English Coastal Towns
The Guardian series "Against the tide" gathers experiences of 18–30-year-olds living in coastal towns across England and Wales, revealing their love for these places but also the challenges they face, including limited opportunities and pressures to leave.
On the Isle of Wight, young residents highlight a scarcity of affordable housing, with many properties being second homes or Airbnbs. The area has an older demographic, with the average age at 51 and those aged 65–74 increasing by 26.7% from 2011 to 2021. Social activities and nightlife for young adults are limited; some, like Megan, have steady work related to the arts, but many others live at home with low incomes, relying on seasonal hospitality and tourism jobs.
In Berwick-upon-Tweed, youths feel compelled to leave due to a lack of opportunities and an aging population. Despite this, there are positives such as independent businesses, festivals, arts funding, and beaches. Some who leave do not return, while others like Collette return after completing a degree but may pursue further education to leave again if creative jobs remain scarce.
Young people in Great Yarmouth, particularly Gorleston-on-Sea, describe a conservative culture and commonly leave to seek better opportunities, often studying or working in London.
In Ilfracombe, Tom depends on parental support due to high housing costs and few employment options. The central area of Ilfracombe is noted as one of the more deprived parts of Devon and the country.
A teacher in Eastbourne observes a lack of clear opportunities for young people, encouraging them to attend university and ultimately leave. They criticize stalled transport developments and the unfulfilled ambition of Eastbourne becoming the "next Brighton."
