Joint multi-agency patrols are taking place over the bank holiday in a bid to deter anti-social behaviour in the Lake District.
Patrols will take place in some of the national parks busiest areas to deter fly-camping, littering, fires and other anti-social behaviour.
Cumbria’ Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said the bank holiday is set to be one of the busiest weekends of the summer holidays and is urging visitors to treat the lakes and fells with respect.
If you see criminal or anti social behaviour taking place, you can report it to:
- Lake District National Park – [email protected]
- Cumberland Council – [email protected] / 01228 817200
- Westmorland and Furness Council – [email protected]
- Cumbria Police (non-emergency) – Call 101 or report online: https://www.cumbria.police.uk/…/report-antisocial…/
- National Trust – [email protected] / [email protected]
- Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen’s office – [email protected]
The commissioner has also written to the leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, Jonathan Brook, to welcome their extended Public Spaces Protection Order process.
But the commissioner has also said that he strongly feels Ullswater should be part of the new PSPO going forward due to its popularity.
He added that he also believes enforcement cannot fall on the police alone as the national park welcomes 40 million visitors every year and that councils, landowners and other agencies must share that responsibility.
Expanding enforcement
The commissioner’s letter to the leader of the council said that while Cumbria Police can and will assist with enforcement, that the constabulary would only be able to do so when resources are available.
He added that the police should not be relied upon to enforce the PSPOs as officers must prioritise other commitments and busy periods.
Mr Allen said that on Saturday August 16 alone, the constabulary faced one of its busiest days on record – policing two football matches, a demonstration, a serious rape incident and a house fire and subsequent road closure.
He also voiced concerns about Ullswater failing to appear in the latest PSPO consultation and called it a ‘missed opportunity’, despite evidence showing the area as facing serious anti-social behaviour issues.
The commissioner added he is also planning to meet with the chair of the national park’s strategic visitor management group to ensure better Police and Fire participation and to make sure proper enforcement is in place ahead of the next peak summer season.
