EFFORTS by a group of upper dale organisations to secure a public space protection order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social behaviour at several beauty spots may deter some “misbehaving visitors” from returning.
Parish councillors at Middleton-in-Teesdale were told it could take weeks for a PSPO to be put in place, but as word spread it could have the desired effect in cutting incidents such as littering and illegal camping.
The decision to pursue a PSPO to cover Bowlees, Low Force and the High Force area is the latest move by Durham County Council, Raby Estates, Durham Police, Strathmore Estates, North Pennines ANOB Partnership and Natural England to curb the anti-social behaviour that plagued the area last year and has been just as bad this summer.
A number of measures have already been put in place to alleviate issues of congestion and litter including neighbourhood warden patrols, larger rubbish bins and the introduction of double yellow lines.
A PSPO will enable fixed penalty notices to be issued to those who contravene the terms of the order.
Judith Mashiter, clerk to Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council, told councillors the group intends to pursue the PSPO, but it could take up to eight weeks to put in place.
She added: “The latest meeting, which also had our two county councillors present, was to begin the process for a PSPO at Low Force and High Force and along the river corridor.
“Durham County Council are going to issue a press release about the process and it might just deter some people from coming and misbehaving. The process for creating this is a long one and the evidence base is needed. If residents have photographs of litter left over or have had to call the police, this is all evidence.”
Residents are being encouraged to come forward with evidence of anti-social behaviour and are asked to get in touch with the parish council.
Ms Mashiter said: “Once the evidence is in, there has to be a legal input from Durham County Council and extensive consultation that could be difficult as it includes visitors and could take up to six or eight weeks. In the meantime, Durham will also do their parking enforcement. The neighbourhood wardens’ visits have been increasing and they are co-ordinating with Raby Estates and the police.”
