Wild camping restrictions planned in coastal spots

1 hour ago

Seb CheerYorkshire

News image — The area surrounding Whitby Abbey is one of nine places where restrictions apply (file photo)

Getty Images Two tents are pitched on a patch of grass overlooking Whitby. The sky is pink with a sunset. — The area surrounding Whitby Abbey is one of nine places where restrictions apply (file photo)

Restrictions are to be introduced to tackle wild camping in parts of Scarborough and Whitby.

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) said a consultation had been carried out in response to rising concerns, with a public space protection order (PSPO) to be introduced in nine locations.

The PSPO would give NYC the power to move people on or issue a £100 fine and could also lead to a court conviction, the authority added after approving the change earlier.

"There has been an influx of littering and anti-social behaviour, including damage to seats and benches, burning of the ground and vegetation, and defecating and urinating," said councillor Heather Phillips, executive member for community safety.

She said the impact of the issue had been "detrimental on the environment in popular locations across Whitby and Scarborough".

The PSPO covers Royal Albert Park, Castle Dyke, South Cliff and Italian Gardens, Scalby Beck, Marvels, Peasholm Park, and Museum Terrace and Gardens in Scarborough.

It also applies in the open space surrounding Whitby Abbey and Pannett Park in Whitby.

Tom Arber South Cliff Gardens in Scarborough, with lots of plants and flowers surrounded by pathways and ornate stone steps. — Litter, anti-social behaviour and damage to the environment were raised as concerns, including in Scarborough's South Cliff Gardens (pictured)

NYC said unauthorised wild camping in the nine locations highlighted had cost more than £30,000 between May and October 2024.

The figure covered the cost of clearing and repairing any damage and did not include any associated costs of the police or fire service, the authority said.

In all nine locations, most respondents to NYC's consultation were "highly concerned" or "fairly concerned" about unauthorised camping.

Responses highlighted litter, anti-social behaviour, crime and damage to the environment, the authority added.

It said the most common theme was concern around human waste and hygiene.

However, a report included concerns from some respondents that the PSPO could "criminalise homeless individuals".

Council officers said in response that they and partners would "attempt to engage" with anyone rough sleeping, rather than issuing a fine.

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