Stricter controls to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in the Lake District are in the pipeline.
Westmorland & Furness Council introduced Public Space Protection Orders in November last year so agencies could work together to tackle 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.
Working with partners including Cumbria police, the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust and local groups, the council has identified even more areas where orders can be strengthened to better meet the needs of residents and visitors.
People and businesses 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:
Anti-social behaviour linked to fires, barbecues, vehicles, and structures in three National Trust sites
The inclusion of three National Trust sites – Blea Tarn, Coniston Water east shore, and Windermere west shore – under the existing order covering fires, barbecues, vehicles, and unauthorised structures to help protect sensitive natural landscapes and reduce the risk of environmental damage.
The council said the areas 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 orders would provide Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria police with additional powers to deter and address anti-social behaviour.
Breaches of an order can result in fixed penalty notices or fines of up to £1,000 on conviction.
Dog control orders in Eden
Amendments to the dog control order, including the addition of some Eden-based play areas to 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 order to cover Askam and Dalton.
This extension aims to help tackle issues of public nuisance and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol consumption.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “These proposals are part of a wider, co-ordinated 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 orders 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, orders give us a clear enforcement route and are another tool in protecting our places for everyone who enjoys them.”
The proposed amendments reflect ongoing work by the council through the Cumbria Strategic Visitor Management Group, including targeted multi-agency patrols, education campaigns, and enforcement where necessary.
The group continues to co-ordinate efforts across Westmorland and Furness, particularly in visitor hotspots such as Ullswater, Stang End and Cathedral Caves, Harrowslack, Hawkshead, and West Windermere.
Simon Hill, countryside manager for the National Trust in the South Lakes, said: “Our land is already under significant pressure from a changing climate and this inconsiderate behaviour from a minority of our visitors only exacerbates the strain on an already fragile landscape.
“Our farm tenants alongside our ranger teams are working hard to restore nature across these areas and the actions of a few can quickly undo this vital conservation work.
“It’s not just the short-term cost of clearing up litter and discarded camping equipment, it’s the long-term impact fires and criminal damage can cause to our lakeshore grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, scarring the landscape and often setting restoration efforts back months or even years.”
Feedback can be shared to Westmorland and Furness Council until Tuesday September 9 by completing the expansion of Westmorland and Furness Public Space Protection Order online survey or a paper copy found at reception of Barrow Town Hall, South Lakeland House in Kendal, or Voreda House in Penrith.
