BBC 'forced to issue apology' as Escape to the Country scene sparks backlash

A scene from an episode of Escape to the Country that aired last month has attracted attention (Image: BBC)

The BBC has allegedly issued an apology following a complaint about a scene from Escape to the Country, which was accused of violating the Highway Code. The property show's last episode of Series 24, aired in August, took viewers to the Isle of Skye.

Presenter Denise Nurse assisted couple Claire and Mark in their quest to find a home on the island after spending four months living in a campervan with their children. One particular scene, showing the motorhome parked in what appeared to be a passing place on a 'narrow road', sparked controversy.

Denise and the couple were seen taking a break at the roadside, sitting in camping chairs discussing their relocation plans. This scene reportedly drew criticism when it aired a few weeks ago, with concerns raised that it contravened the Highway Code's advice against parking in passing places on country roads.

As per the Scottish Sun, locals along the North Coast 500 (NC500) - a picturesque route in Scotland's far north - were not pleased. The BBC has allegedly apologised for what has been termed its 'initial dismissive reply' to a complaint lodged by one resident recently.

A disgruntled resident took to the private Facebook group NC500 The Land Weeps, expressing a mix of relief and frustration at the BBC's recognition of an issue, stating it was "slightly heartening" to see the broadcaster "acknowledged it," but they "shouldn't have done this in the first place". They further lamented that the response did not makeup for the "patronising brush off" initially received upon raising the complaint, reports the Mirror.

A scene on an episode of Escape to the Country that aired last month showed a motorhome parked on the side of the road (Image: BBC)

The Sun has disclosed that the BBC sent an apology via email to the resident for not fully addressing their concerns. Allegedly, the email from the BBC conveyed an understanding of the resident's "concerns" about a segment where an interview was "conducted at the side of a road".

The email reportedly continued, acknowledging that "You are of course correct that no matter how brief that filming was for, the Highway Code does advise that drivers should not park in passing places."

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It also recognised that such issues are "even more of an issue" in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

The BBC is said to have stated: "While we don't believe this segment of the programme would encourage people to ignore road signs and to park in places that they shouldn't, we fully appreciate your concerns and we understand our responsibilities as a TV programme. The production team will bear this in mind for future filming and are grateful to you for taking the time to raise this with us,".

BBC 'forced to issue apology' as Escape to the Country scene sparks backlash

BBC 'forced to issue apology' as Escape to the Country scene sparks backlash

BBC 'forced to issue apology' as Escape to the Country scene sparks backlash

BBC 'forced to issue apology' as Escape to the Country scene sparks backlash

BBC 'forced to issue apology' as Escape to the Country scene sparks backlash