Ban Martin Clunes, say villagers as TV fans shatter their idyll

At first locals in Port Isaac welcomed the filming of the ITV show but now they say the narrow streets are choked with sightseers' cars, often dangerously parked.

They also claim that long-time visitors can no longer find anywhere to stay as the film crews book up so much of the village's accommodation.

A dog greets Martin Clunes in the TV comedy. Real locals in Port Isaac are becoming less welcoming

More than 30 frustrated residents filled the village school hall to protest to St Endellion Parish Council about parking problems.

They say village roads have been crammed with vehicles as visitors from as far afield as Australia flock to see Port Isaac.

Some protesters suggested future filming of Doc Martin in Port Isaac should be banned.

Resident Ted Charles said: 'We have had the golden egg from the filming and we have enough visitors now.

'Surely they have enough footage of Port Isaac on file so they don't need to come back?

'We have heard that next year they will be filming from May to August. That would be a complete disaster and the parking problem will only escalate.'

Mr Charles added: 'For the past two years friends who have enjoyed coming to the village for years have not been able to stay in holiday cottages because they have been rented to the crew.'

Jam: Parked cars clog one of the village streets

Bed-and-breakfast owner Marion Andrews said her rooms were empty now, at the height of summer, because her regular customers preferred the village in its quieter days.

'Now it's far too busy for them,' she said.

Residents say many tourists have been leaving their vehicles beside the local play area, posing a danger to children.

Mother Debbie Pattenden said: 'When you drive around the cars, you end up on the wrong side of the road on a blind corner; it won't be long until someone is killed.

'We need to take this seriously before we lose one of our children.'

The parish council has called a meeting with 'relevant bodies' next Tuesday, is requesting additional yellow lines and is negotiating with a landowner about using one of his fields as a car park.

Producers of Doc Martin were unavailable for comment.