People are being urged to share their views on wild camping, fires and barbeques in nine locations across Scarborough and Whitby.
In recent years there has been an increase in unauthorised camping, often referred to as wild or fly camping, in parks and green spaces on the coast, as well as the lighting of fires and barbeques, which has become a concern to the local community.
North Yorkshire Council has launched a consultation ahead of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) being adopted.
Nine locations have been identified where there has been significant and persistent littering, anti-social behaviour, crime and damage to the environment.
They are Royal Albert Park, Castle Dyke, South Cliff and Italian Gardens, Scalby Beck, Marvels, Peasholm Park, and Museum Terrace and Gardens in Scarborough, and the open space surrounding Whitby Abbey and Pannett Park.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for community safety, Cllr Heather Phillips, said:
“No matter what an individual’s reason is for wild camping, doing so is having a detrimental impact on the environment in these areas of Whitby and Scarborough.
“It has led to littering, including abandoned tents, clothes, sleeping bags, equipment and food waste, as well as antisocial behaviour, including damage to seats and benches, burning of the ground and vegetation, and defecating and urinating.
“These spaces should be enjoyable to everyone and not ruined by a minority.”
Between May and October 2024, unauthorised wild camping in these locations cost more than £30,000 to clear up and repair or replace the damage caused. This figure does not include any associated costs of North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service who have been called-out.
If adopted, the PSPO would give the council the power to move people on from these locations, issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or in some circumstances lead to a court conviction and maximum fine of £1,000.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, added:
“Unfortunately, wild camping often leads to the taxpayer having to foot the bill for clearing up and repairs. It leaves a negative impact on the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“Therefore, by introducing a PSPO, it will give us the power to prevent this from happening in the future and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy our picturesque coastal towns.
“I’d urge anyone with views on wild camping or anti-social behaviour in these locations to share them as part of our consultation.”
The deadline for comments is Monday, January 26, and people can share their views at www.northyorks.gov.uk/wild-camping-pspo
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