Cumberland Council intensifies efforts to protect local beauty spots

Cumberland Council is ramping up its efforts to protect the area's cherished beauty spots through enforcement and public awareness initiatives.

Over the summer, the council engaged with over 100 individuals and moved on many who were camping inappropriately. In the past fortnight alone, 10 unauthorized campsites have been dismantled.

The council has issued two Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for breaches of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and is set to issue an additional 25 FPNs soon. These measures follow instances such as where a vehicle drove across a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) to camp by the lake shore, causing damage to the terrain.

Alongside enforcement, the council continues to promote the "Leave No Trace. Respect Cumberland." campaign. Variable Message Signs (VMS) installed in Keswick and Wasdale remind visitors to take litter home, respect wildlife and local communities, and leave landscapes as they found them.

Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo emphasised the importance of protecting these sites: "Cumberland's landscapes and beauty spots are among our greatest assets, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The majority of people treat these places with care and respect, and we want to encourage everyone to do the same."

She added that while education and engagement are preferred, enforcement will not hesitate if advice is ignored and there's evidence of antisocial behaviour or environmental damage.

The PSPO aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, ensuring public spaces are enjoyed safely and responsibly. The order, introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, empowers local authorities to address behaviours detrimental to communities and the environment.

Cumberland Council's strategy is anchored on four key principles: Engage, Educate, Explain and Enforce.

To report a potential breach of the PSPO, individuals are encouraged to visit the council's website.