Cumberland Council is stepping up action to protect some of the area's most popular beauty spots, with enforcement activity and public awareness campaigns helping to tackle irresponsible behaviour and safeguard the environment.
Over the summer, the council has recently engaged with more than 100 individuals and moved on numerous people who were camping inappropriately. In the past two weeks alone, 10 campsites have been removed. The council has also issued and posted two Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for breaches of the PSPO, with a further 25 Fixed Penalty notices due to be issued shortly.
One case saw a vehicle drive across a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) to set up camp on the lake shore causing damage to the ground.
Alongside enforcement, the council is continuing to promote its "Leave No Trace. Respect Cumberland." campaign. Variable Message Signs (VMS) have been installed in Keswick and Wasdale, reminding visitors to take litter home, respect wildlife and local communities, and leave the area's landscapes exactly as they found them.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
"Cumberland's landscapes and beauty spots are among our greatest assets, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The majority of people treat these places with care and respect, and we want to encourage everyone to do the same.
"While education and engagement remain our preferred approach, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where advice is ignored and there is clear evidence of anti-social behaviour or environmental damage.
"Our message is simple: enjoy Cumberland responsibly, respect local communities and wildlife, and leave no trace behind. Where people fail to do that, there will be consequences."
The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is in place to help reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure public spaces can be enjoyed safely and responsibly by everyone.
Introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, PSPOs give local authorities powers to address behaviours that have a detrimental effect on local communities and the environment. Cumberland Council's approach is based on four key principles: Engage, Educate, Explain and Enforce.
Anyone wishing to report a potential breach of the PSPO can do so via the council's website.