Donkeys saddled with longer trek

Some donkeys are faced with taking the long way home

Scarborough's renowned seaside donkeys are faced with a long trek home from the beach after fears were raised about traffic congestion in the resort.

A new park and ride scheme on the outskirts of the town means more buses taking day trippers to the sea front.

But because the donkeys have to walk along the bus route on their way to work on the beach, fears are mounting for their safety.

The donkeys' owner and council are now looking routes to reach the beach.

Owner Guy Smith said a line of donkeys did not leave much space for buses.

Mr Smith said: "The route passes the donkey fields with possibly 120 buses going past the field every day.

'Special tradition'

"Obviously, if you've got a donkey in front of you there's not a lot of room for buses.

"At the moment Scarborough Borough Council's highway department are suggesting an alternative route, but it would add 15 minutes to the journey and we'd be walking through a highly residential area."

John Riby, Scarborough council's head of harbours and engineering services, said: "We have been contacted by one of the donkey proprietors.

"Although we are mindful of the special tradition of such facilities in Scarborough, we are discussing with them options around possible alternative transportation arrangements for their donkeys to and from the beach, while at the same time keeping the general interests of traffic movement and road safety in mind."

Mr Smith added: "At this moment in time we'll carry on walking the donkeys up and down [to the beach] and nothing will change."

Bill Tetlow from the Donkey Sanctuary said: "Anything that adds to the donkeys' journey isn't good if it keeps them in danger for much longer."