Plans to restrict wild camping, fires and barbeques in nine locations across Scarborough and Whitby to help to address concerns in local communities are set to be considered by councillors.
Earlier this year, we carried out a consultation ahead of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) being adopted.
This is in response to an increase in unauthorised 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 community.
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 in Whitby.
A total of 402 responses were received as part of the consultation. For every location, the majority of people who responded to the consultation said they were highly concerned or fairly concerned about unauthorised camping.
The most common theme was concerns around human waste and hygiene, impacting residents and the local community, with the majority stating that firm action is needed.
Executive member for community safety, Cllr Heather Phillips, said: “In recent years, the impact of wild camping has been detrimental on the environment in popular locations across Whitby and Scarborough.
“There has been an influx of littering and antisocial behaviour, including damage to seats and benches, burning of the ground and vegetation, and defecating and urinating.
“I would like to thank everybody for sharing their views in the consultation, which will help to shape our decision.”
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 Public Space Protection Order would give us 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.
Executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, added: “We are proposing a PSPO to help to control and, hopefully, stop illegal wild camping to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy our picturesque coastal towns.
“To clean up after irresponsible campers brings a significant cost to the taxpayer and affects the quality of live for everybody who lives, visits and works there.
“It’s clear from the consultation that the majority of people acknowledge the issue and will welcome quick and firm measures.”
The plans will be discussed at a meeting on Friday (1 May). The report can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF.