A recent visitor to a popular Cornwall coastal destination described the eeriness of an apparent “ghost town”. The visitor said that it was remarkably quiet even during what should have been the start of the buzzing tourist season.

It follows reports that one in every 18 homes in Cornwall are no longer used for long-term residence, doubling from one in nine over the past decade.

Tourists were expected to flock to the area, renowned for visitor surges during the early spring months. But, the tourist said certain towns still seemed deserted in what should have been a buzzing time for businesses, reports Cornwall Live.

A reader wrote a poignant letter to publications – the Cornishman, the Cornish Guardian, and the West Briton – detailing their experience in Fowey, on the Cornish coast.

In an expressive poem, they vividly depicted the loneliness and desolation of their visit, noting that “few people can be found” and expressing concern that “Cornish folk are priced out”.

The pretty streets beside
the sea

Belie a sickening sound

Of morbid wealth that took by stealth

The buildings in the town.

And most of them are empty,

Few people can be found.

They made their many millions

Moving money in the Smoke

Before they saw a stunning view;

Then bought it off some bloke.

And now that small investment

Has doubled at a stroke.

Many a fierce fishermen

Who lived in homes like these,

Would come home to their weary wives

From work upon the seas

And spend their Sunday mornings

In church upon their knees.

Their sadness is to see their homes

Closed up, silent and bare.

Only open when their rich

Plush owners can be there.

No local accents sounding

Is more than they could bear.

Cornish folk are now priced out

Of property by the sea.

And through the blinded
windows

We see prosperity,

Though now these streets
are empty

Except for you and me.

A single, silent seagull

Swoops upon its prey.

Then verdant country greets us

by Francis Charters.