Views sought on potential parties, overnight camping and bonfires ban at Druridge Bay
An order to tackle anti-social behaviour at a popular coastal spot in Northumberland will ban unauthorised parties, overnight camping and bonfires if it comes into effect.
A Northumberland County Council consultation on proposals to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering Druridge Bay Country Park and surrounding areas is now underway.
It builds on long-standing partnership work between the local county councillor, Scott Dickinson, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, council officers and other stakeholders who have been working together to address issues such as environmental damage and the misuse of vehicles.
If introduced, the PSPO would place restrictions on activities such as overnight camping, the use of off-road vehicles, large noisy gatherings and the lighting of fires or barbecues without permission from the local authority.
Coun Dickinson said: “Druridge Bay is one of the most beautiful and important spaces we have in our area. The vast majority of people use it responsibly, but we cannot ignore the on-going issues that are impacting residents, visitors and the environment.
“This is about protecting local people, local wildlife and local spaces.
“This hasn’t come out of nowhere. There has been a huge amount of partnership work over a long period of time with organisations like the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Northumbria Police, Northumberland Fire Service, Druridge Bay Country Parks and council officers, all working together to protect Druridge Bay and respond to the issues being raised locally.
“This proposed PSPO is about getting the balance right, protecting the area while ensuring it remains open and welcoming for everyone, including local people. But what we cannot have is a repeat of scenes destroying wildlife, mass littering, wildfires and anti-social behaviour that concerns local people.
“I would strongly encourage local people to take part in the consultation. Your views matter and will help shape the final decision.
“Alongside the proposed PSPO, we are also exploring the installation of solar-powered CCTV in key locations to help monitor activity, deter anti-social behaviour and support enforcement where necessary.”
The consultation is open until Friday, May 1. Full details are available via www.northumberland.gov.uk/public-protection/neighbourhood-problems – the link to the consultation is in the ‘Anti social behaviour section’.