Tougher powers to stop anti-social behaviour in Lake District – have your say

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.