RESIDENTS in the city where hit period drama Bridgerton is filmed say the enormous set makes it impossible to park.
Bath locals are incensed at having to pay more than £100 a year to leave their cars outside their homes - only to be unable to do so while the Netflix cast and crew are in town.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "We have to pay more than £100 a year for the privilege of parking our cars outside our homes in the centre of Bath.
"But when Bridgerton comes to town the car parking spaces outside our flat in Albert Road are all covered over by sand.
"We’re forced to find a space elsewhere which can be a challenge in a small city centre like Bath."
Harry and William's relationship 'hanging by thread' ahead of explosive memoir
Others are more in favour of their area being used as the backdrop to the show as it brings in business from tourists.
Nicky Ison, who owns The Abbey Deli with partner Jon, said: "We have crying people on the doorstep because the Duke of Hastings has been in our shop.
"I can't believe what a phenomenon it is."
The couple launched their own fashion range, chocolate and merchandise after registering Modiste, the name of the iconic Bridgerton dress shop, as a trademark - something Netflix did not think to do.
"We're not defined by it, but it is a lovely thing to have and we're very proud of it," Nicky added.
"It's nice that people can come into the shop and see where it was filmed."
More than six million people visit Bath every year to take in the sights of the Regency architecture which first persuaded Netflix executives to set many scenes in Bridgerton there.
The Royal Crescent famously features in the opening scenes as the gaudy Fetherington residence, while Gunthers Tearoom, Lady Danbury’s house and the Modiste are also all real buildings visited by characters played by stars like Phoebe Dynevor and Simone Ashley.
Holidaymaker Nathan Hodge and his partner Jody, from New York, were blown away by just how many places they recognised.
Jody said: "We’ve watched Bridgerton on Netflix since series one and now it’s like standing on the set.
Harry makes big William admission as he says ‘it never had to be this way’
"It’s incredible almost like being transported back there."
Kathryn Davis, director of tourism for Visit West, said: "The indirect value of seeing Bath on screen, the resulting global media coverage, and creation of Bridgerton-inspired visitor experiences runs into millions of pounds."
Some superfans take their love for the show and history in general so seriously they turn up in full costume.
The Jane Austen Centre is just a stone’s throw from the Royal Crescent.
As tourists wander along Bath’s streets, they are greeted by people posing as Mr Bennett and his wife as if they had just stepped out of Pride and Prejudice.
Wait a few more minutes and the evil Mr Wickham and the pompous cleric Mr Collins appear on the doorstep to persuade passers by to experience the world created by Austen.
The Sun has contacted Shondaland, which produces Bridgerton, for comment.
