Public Space Protection Orders

To help keep our spaces open, accessible and attractive for all.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are used to reduce behaviour that has a negative impact on communities. This includes issues such as public alcohol consumption, dog control and anti-social behaviour.

PSPOs can be enforced by council officers or the police.

Current Public Space Protection Orders

Some changes and updates are being considered:

Alcohol-related PSPOs

Alcohol-related PSPOs are in force in specific towns and neighbourhoods. These orders give Enforcement Officers and the police the power to take action where alcohol consumption or behaviour causes nuisance or anti-social behaviour.

Alcohol PSPOs currently apply in:

  • Whitehaven town centre
  • Hensingham
  • Kells
  • Cleator Moor
  • Distington
  • Egremont
  • Frizington
  • Millom

Enforcement powers

Under these orders, officers can:

  • require people to stop drinking alcohol
  • require people to surrender alcohol
  • issue fixed penalty notices

The maximum fine for breaching an alcohol PSPO is up to £100

Dog control PSPOs

Dog control PSPOs are used to manage dog-related issues in public spaces. These orders may:

  • exclude dogs from certain areas such as playgrounds and recreation areas
  • require dogs to be kept on leads in specific places

Officers also have the power to require a dog to be put on a lead if it is causing, or likely to cause, a nuisance.

Areas with dog controls and anti-social behaviour restrictions

Dog control PSPOs apply to specific areas in or around the following places:

  • Seascale
  • Cleator Moor
  • Beckermet
  • Whitehaven
  • Moresby
  • St Bees
  • Silecroft
  • Parton
  • Netherwasdale
  • Calderbridge
  • Hensingham
  • Haverigg
  • Greenbank
  • Distington
  • Kells
  • Frizington
  • Egremont
  • Millom
  • Cleator
  • Moor Row
  • Lowca
  • Gosforth
  • Kirksanton
  • Whicham
  • Kirkland
  • Bootle
  • Keekle
  • Ravenglass
  • Bigrigg

Towns and city centres

In towns and city centres:

  • dog on lead requirements do not apply
  • dog exclusion does not apply

Find PSPOs maps for towns and city centres

Specific dog control areas

Some PSPOs apply to particular types of places.

Dogs on leads

Dogs must be kept on leads in the following:

Dog exclusion

Dogs are not allowed in the following:

Other restricted areas

PSPOs also apply in some specific locations:

Report a breach of a PSPO

If you believe someone has breached a PSPO, you can report it to us.

Email: [email protected]