Police chiefs are calling for a blanket ban on illegal camping across the Lake District.
Westmorland & Furness Council is working to expand an existing public space protection orders 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 latest order includes 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.
Now, David Allen, Cumbria’s police, fire and crime commissioner, and Chief Constable Darren Martland have written to council leader Jonathan Brook to ask for a blanket order to cover the entire authority area.
They said the geographical restrictions may cause issues for enforcement and focusing on hotspots only pushed the issue into other areas.
They said: “Both of us have seen the damage caused by fly-camping, littering, fires and other forms of anti-social behaviour.
“These issues place a strain on local services, risk serious harm to the environment and cause understandable frustration to residents and businesses.”
They said an authority-wide order would allow for a consistent approach and give police and partners the tools to act swiftly when problems arose.
They added: “Cumberland Council took this approach of a blanket order and have been able to enforce more effectively as a result.”
They said the Lake District National Park Authority has also called for a blanket ban.
The letter added: “This request is made in the spirit of partnership and builds on the ongoing work we are already undertaking together to reduce anti-social behaviour.”
They said they were aware the council had raised concerns over the legality of a blanket order and offered its legal services to work with council officers.
