New measures are set to be introduced to protect sites in and around a national park from anti social behaviour, according to Westmorland and Furness Council.
The authority has confirmed it will introduce public space protection orders at Askam, Dalton and several locations within the Lake District. These include Blea Tarn, Coniston East Shore and Windermere West Shore.
The orders will give the council and Cumbria Police additional enforcement powers, including the ability to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100. The penalties will apply to behaviour such as fly camping, irresponsible alcohol consumption, unsafe fires or barbecues, and dog fouling.
Westmorland and Furness Council said the public space protection orders will come into force in early 2026.
A public consultation on the proposals was launched in September, with the council reporting that 90% of respondents supported the introduction of the orders.
The announcement follows calls from senior policing figures for stronger action on illegal camping. In September, Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen and Chief Constable David Martland wrote jointly to the council seeking an authority wide ban, stating that existing public space protection orders can “shift the problem elsewhere”.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said enforcement was not the primary aim of the measures.
She said the council wanted visitors and residents “to leave no trace, rather than issuing fines”.
“These orders are used to safeguard the places that matter to us all, ensuring our communities and treasured landscapes remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.”
The council has also launched a further consultation on extending the same protections to additional locations. These include areas of Ambleside, Hartsop, Coniston, Haweswater Reservoir, Ullswater and Windermere.
