Scarborough and Whitby to consider measures against illegal wild camping

Councillors are set to consider new measures to curb illegal wild camping along the coastlines of Scarborough and Whitby.

North Yorkshire Council has proposed a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) targeting nine locations with ongoing issues related to unauthorised camping, fires, and barbeques.

The proposal follows a consultation earlier this year, which highlighted community concerns over increased camping and its negative impacts, such as littering, anti-social behaviour, and environmental damage.

Identified locations in Scarborough include Royal Albert Park, Castle Dyke, South Cliff and Italian Gardens, Scalby Beck, Marvels, Peasholm Park, and Museum Terrace and Gardens, while Pannett Park and the area around Whitby Abbey are the focus in Whitby.

Of the 402 consultation responses, the majority expressed high levels of concern about unauthorised camping, particularly the issues of human waste and hygiene affecting local residents.

Councillor Heather Phillips, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for community safety, acknowledged the detrimental impact of wild camping in these coastal regions, citing increased littering and damage to public spaces.

She expressed gratitude for the community's engagement in the consultation, which is integral to the council's decision-making process.

Between May and October 2024, the cost of addressing wild camping-related damage in these areas exceeded £30,000, excluding response costs incurred by North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The proposed PSPO would empower the council to take action by moving campers from restricted locations and issuing fixed penalty notices of up to £100, with potential court convictions resulting in fines of up to £1,000.

Councillor Richard Foster, executive member for managing the environment at North Yorkshire Council, emphasised the importance of preserving the region’s natural beauty by stopping illegal wild camping to reduce taxpayer burden and protect local quality of life.

He stated that the council aims to implement swift and decisive measures, reflecting the widespread agreement on this issue from the consultation.

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