Council calls for views on proposed amendments of Public Space Protection Orders

Residents are invited to share views on proposed amendments of Public Space Protection Orders which aim to support safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable outdoor spaces across Westmorland and Furness.

In November 2024, the council introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to provide a consistent way for agencies to work together to address anti-social behaviour linked to fly-camping, irresponsible alcohol use, unsafe fires and barbecues, and dog issues such as fouling.

The current Orders enable enforcement action against individuals causing nuisance in local communities, primarily on land owned by Westmorland and Furness Council. They also make it an offence to allow dog fouling on publicly accessible land and where dogs are required to be kept under control.

Residents, businesses, and visitors are now invited to comment on these draft amendments that aim to tackle widespread problems with fly-camping on some National Trust owned land, and other related anti-social behaviour in areas of the Lakes.

These include:

Dog Control Orders in Eden

Amendments to the dog control order, including the addition of some Eden-based play areas to Schedule 3 (Dog Exclusion Zones), where dogs would not be permitted, helping to protect young children and families using these facilities.

In addition, a new requirement for dogs to be kept on leads within 200 metres of the public highway in Eden.

Alcohol and Anti-Social Behaviour in Askam and Dalton

An extension of the existing alcohol-related Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to cover Askam and Dalton. This extension aims to help tackle issues of public nuisance and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol consumption.

Antisocial behaviour linked to fires, barbecues, vehicles, and structures in three National Trust sites

The inclusion of three National Trust sites under the existing PSPO covering fires, barbecues, vehicles, and unauthorised structures to help protect sensitive natural landscapes and reduce the risk of environmental damage.

The locations include Blea Tarn, Coniston Water East Shore, and Windermere West Shore, all of which, the council claim, have experienced increasing pressures from irresponsible behaviour such as open fires, fly-camping, and off-road vehicle access. The expanded protections would support ongoing efforts by the council and its partners to tack anti-social behaviour and preserve these popular sites by ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable for all.

If adopted, the extended PSPOs would provide Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police with additional powers to deter and address anti-social behaviour. Breaches of a PSPO can result in Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) or fines of up to £1,000 on conviction.

Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "These proposals are part of a wider, coordinated response to tackle growing concerns about anti-social behaviour, fly-camping, littering, and environmental harm in some of our most visited areas. We have heard from residents, businesses, and landowners who are seeing the impact on our landscapes, on public safety, and on the local economy.

"We are committed to working with partners to balance public access and enjoyment with the need to protect our natural environment and ensure respectful behaviour. Amending the PSPOs is one way we can support that, and we are now asking our communities to help shape those changes.

"Our preferred approach will always be to inform, educate and encourage responsible behaviour. Where necessary, PSPOs give us a clear enforcement route and are another tool in protecting our places for everyone who enjoys them."