Agencies will come together to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Lake District with patrols and new staff.
As we approach the bank holiday weekend, organisations including police, the Lake District National Park, National Trust, Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness councils have announced they will work together to welcome visitors while minimising impact on the landscape and communities.
Visitor management officers from the Lake District National Park Authority will patrol our most popular areas across the park in a number of planned patrols, including evenings and weekends.
Regular staff and rangers from the National Park Authority, National Trust and local councils will deliver multiple weekend patrols throughout the season.
The National Trust has also recruited two new engagement rangers who will patrol, including at weekends, helping visitors enjoy the area responsibly and safely.
Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils said they have also committed resources to tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental damage associated with camping, littering and fires or barbeques, and support enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders where necessary.
United Utilities has also recruited a new engagement officer on its land around Thirlmere and Haweswater.
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and chair of the Strategic Visitor Management Group said: “The Easter period highlighted the importance of partners working side by side to keep people safe, support our communities and protect this incredible landscape.
“We now want to build on that joint working over the summer months. The Lake District is one of the most special places in the country, our visitor economy is a vitally important component of the county’s economic and social fabric, and we want everyone who visits to enjoy it responsibly and respectfully.
“This partnership approach is about education first, engagement throughout, and enforcement where needed.”
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “Our teams were pleased to support the Easter operation alongside partners, and we are committed to continuing that joint working through the summer to help residents and visitors enjoy our public spaces safely and responsibly.
“Cumberland Council has a zero tolerance approach to environmental harm. Anyone breaching Public Spaces Protection Orders risks enforcement action, including fines or prosecution, where necessary.
“Most people want to do the right thing, and we’re asking visitors to help protect this special place by following Leave No Trace principles and using designated sites. By working together, we can ensure our landscapes and communities can be enjoyed by everyone, now and in the future.”
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for community safety and housing, said: “During the Easter bank holiday, our officers worked closely with Cumbria police and landowners to engage with visitors and address issues on the ground.
“While the vast majority of people enjoyed the area responsibly, enforcement action was taken, with fines issued to a group camping at Ullswater whose anti-social behaviour breached Public Space Protection Orders.
“This sends a clear message that while education and engagement come first, we will work with our partners to take action where needed to protect our communities and environment. We all have a role to play in respecting this special place – love where you visit and leave no trace.”
Steve Ratcliffe, director of sustainable development for the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “Our visitors come here to enjoy the special qualities of the Lake District and often access nature for the first time – all are welcome to the national park.
“We know the vast majority behave responsibly, but visible patrols and engagement teams help prevent issues before they arise.
“Experience gained over Easter gives us a strong foundation for the busy summer ahead.”
People are encouraged to report breaches of Public Space Protection Orders and anti-social behaviour to the council responsible for the area they are visiting.
