Council announces Askam, Dalton, and three National Trust sites will receive enhanced protection against anti-social behaviour and consultation launches to propose measures in Ullswater and even more locations.
Following overwhelming public support, Westmorland & Furness Council will introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) at popular public spaces across the area, giving authorities the power to fine those causing environmental damage and disruptive behaviour.
PSPOs are a tool used to help protect communities and landscapes, encouraging responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.
In areas covered by an Order, the Council and Cumbria Police can issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 for breaches of the PSPOs for anti-social behaviour linked to fly-camping, irresponsible alcohol use, unsafe fires or barbecues, and dog fouling.
If payment of the Fixed Penalty Notice is not made within the required timescales, prosecution for the offence of failing to comply with the PSPOs may be initiated resulting in summary conviction with fines of up to £1,000 being issued by Courts.
A consultation launched by the Council in September 2025 invited residents to comment on proposals to introduce the Orders in Askam, Dalton, and at three National Trust sites: Blea Tarn, Coniston East Shore, and Windermere West Shore.
The PSPOs were developed through working together with local police, community groups, residents, and landowners, who voiced strong support for measures that promote responsible behaviour and protect the quality of life across Westmorland and Furness.
Over 90% of consultation respondents supported the Orders that will enable authorities to issue Fixed Penalty Notices or prosecute for breaches for causing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Dalton and Askam, and damage linked to by fires, barbecues, vehicles, and fly-camping at the National Trust sites.
Based on clear evidence of ongoing issues at these locations, the Council will proceed with introducing the PSPOs at these locations in early 2026.
A proposed PSPO requiring dogs to be kept on leads within 200 metres of public highways across Eden to reduce dog fouling will not go ahead after gaining only 45% support and further complaints outside the consultation. The perimeters of the proposal are being reviewed in line with feedback, and the Council is considering alternative options to address this issue.
The Council will continue to take a targeted, evidence-based approach to introducing PSPOs ensuring those introduced are lawful. This requires consultation with the relevant landowners with clear evidence of issues to support any restrictions.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "We are delighted that our communities have backed these proposals and as a result, we will introduce this useful tool at even more areas to help deter anti-social behaviour and protect our valued local spaces.
"We want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation, as well as the landowners who have worked closely with the Council to gather evidence. This partnership allows us to take a targeted, lawful approach that ensures landowner support is granted and the Order that reflects what the public wants to see.
"Our goal is for everyone to enjoy Westmorland and Furness responsibly and 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."
Jez Westgarth, Assistant Director of Operations for Cumbria and Lancashire National Trust, said: "We are pleased to see that three new Public Space Protection Orders are now in place and include areas of National Trust land. We're grateful to Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumbria Police for establishing and enforcing these orders. Through these PSPOs, we welcome stronger enforceable protection to support local communities, nature and access to our land.
"Thank you to those who championed the proposals and submitted comments. We're now looking to work with the Council to increase the number of PSPOs to include National Trust land around Windermere and Ullswater."
As part of the consultation, people were invited to provide clear evidence of other locations that face repeated issues with anti-social behaviour and environmental damage.
Today (Tuesday 6 January 2026), Westmorland and Furness Council have launched a further consultation on the proposed extension of PSPOs to nine additional locations suggested by residents and landowners.
The proposals will include several areas of Ullswater that have been impacted this year by problems linked to fly-camping, wild-fires and littering that damages the environment.
Introducing PSPOs at even more areas was explored, however while many approved and gave support, some did not. Only sites with landowner support and clear evidence of anti-social behaviour are progressing to consultation.
The five-week statutory consultation process invites people to comment on the draft proposals that cover the following locations:
Haweswater Reservoir (owned by Untied Utilities)
Ullswater – South Ullswater including Glencoyne and Aira Force (owned by National Trust)
Ullswater - South Ullswater including Ullswater Steamers land (owned by Lake District Estates and National Trust) and Jenkin Field in Glenridding (owned by Patterdale Parish Council)
Ullswater - Laybys and land adjacent lake (owned by Gowbarrow Hall)
Ambleside - Galava Roman Fort (owned by the National Trust)
Ambleside – Holme Crag (owned by the National Trust)
Hartsop - Brotherswater (owned by National Trust)
Coniston - Brown Howe (owned by Lake District National Park)
Windermere – Bowness and Millerground including Cockshot Point (owned by National Trust)
Councillor Judith Derbyshire continued: "We understand the frustration residents feel when they see the impact that irresponsible behaviour can have on our communities and natural landscapes. Many people have called for stronger measures in these areas to allow enforcement action when needed, and this is exactly what we are aiming to deliver.
"It is important that Westmorland and Furness Council follow the correct legal process when introducing Public Space Protection Orders. That means gathering robust evidence by working closely with landowners to secure their permission before any Order can be introduced on their land and consulting with our communities.
"Sharing your views in this consultation is essential in helping us understand whether these powers are appropriate and supported. By taking part, you can help shape how public spaces are protected, ensure the measures reflect community priorities, and influence whether this tool is introduced in your local community.
"Where strong community support is evident, we are committed to introducing PSPOs by Spring, ready for the busier months, and to working alongside landowners and Cumbria Police to enforce them where required."
Feedback can be shared to Westmorland and Furness Council from today (Tuesday 6 January) until Monday 9 February 2026 by completing:
The Westmorland and Furness Public Space Protection Order online survey or;
A paper copy found at reception of Barrow Town Hall, South Lakeland House in Kendal, or Voreda House in Penrith.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
