Unauthorised camping, fires and barbeques Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Scarborough and Whitby consultation
In recent years there has been an increase in unauthorised camping (often referred to as wild or fly camping) in parks and green spaces in Scarborough and Whitby, as well as the lighting of fires and barbeques, which has become a concern to the local community.
Nine locations have been identified where the camping and the lighting of fires and use of barbeques has resulted in significant and persistent littering, antisocial behaviour, crime and damage to the environment. The council is proposing to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at these nine locations to help control and, hopefully, stop this activity.
Before the PSPO can be adopted, the council asked people share their views on the subject. The survey launched on Monday 15 December and closed on Monday 26 January, and received 402 responses.
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations identified in Scarborough (Castle Dyke)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Scarborough (Marveles)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Scarborough (Peasholme Park)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Scarborough (Royal Albert Park)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Scarborough (Museum Terrace, Crescent and Valley Park)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Scarborough (Scalby Beck)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Scarborough (South Cliff and Italian Gardens)
How concerned are you about each of the following as a result of unauthorised
camping in the locations identified in Scarborough (human urination / defecation)
How concerned are you about each of the following as a result of unauthorised
camping in the locations identified in Scarborough (lighting of fires and BBQs)
How concerned are you about each of the following as a result of unauthorised
camping in the locations identified in Scarborough (littering)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Whitby (Pannett Park)
How concerned are you about unauthorised camping in the following locations
identified in Whitby (Whitby Abbey open space)
How concerned are you about each of the following as a result of unauthorised
camping in the locations identified in Whitby (human urination / defecation)
How concerned are you about each of the following as a result of unauthorised
camping in the locations identified in Whitby (lighting of fires and BBQs)
How concerned are you about each of the following as a result of unauthorised
camping in the locations identified in Whitby (littering)
Have you ever been directly impacted by any of the issues in the nine locations
being considered as part of the PSPO? Namely wild camping, littering, human urination and defecation, or lighting of fires and barbeques
If 'Yes', please tell us about it:
· Human waste and hygiene issues (most frequent theme)
o Frequent reports of urination and defecation in public spaces, often visible and left uncollected
o Human waste found in parks, on paths, in bushes and near play areas
o Associated waste such as toilet paper, nappies, used sanitary items
o Public health concerns for children, dogs, wildlife, and the general public
· Littering, dumped camping equipment and environmental damage
o Large volumes of litter, food waste, disposable barbecues, broken glass, drug paraphernalia
o Campers often leave behind abandoned tents, chairs, gazebos, bedding, waste bags and equipment
o Fire and BBQ damage to grass, benches, wildflower areas, heritage sites and woodland
o Increased concern about wildfire risk, especially after recent moor fires
· Fires, BBQs and safety hazards
o Numerous complaints about open fires and disposable BBQs in areas where they are banned
o Widespread fear of grass and woodland fires, especially during dry periods
o Smoke causing problems for nearby residents and exacerbating health conditions
· Anti‑social and intimidating behaviour
o Reports of verbal abuse, drunkenness, disorder and late‑night parties, drug taking and dealing, shouting, fighting, foul language, and public nudity
o Many dog walkers, families and older residents describe feeling unsafe or avoiding areas altogether
o Several incidents of dogs belonging to campers being aggressive or out of control
· Impact on public spaces and local residents
o Tents blocking pathways, shelters, picnic areas and scenic viewpoints, making public space unusable
o Damage to historic gardens, newly restored areas, park furniture, castle headland and flora
o Groups occupying spaces for days or weeks, sometimes forming semi‑permanent camps
o Residents near South Cliff, The Crescent, Peasholm and Whitby Abbey describe ongoing disruption, noise and fear
· Distinction between 'wild camping' and 'fly camping'
o Many respondents highlight that true wild campers leave no trace, and issues mainly caused by large groups camping for free, people with long-term tents and rough sleepers
o Some call for the council to distinguish between wild campers (responsible, minimal impact), fly campers (irresponsible, long stays, anti-social behaviour) and homeless individuals who need support
· Impact on tourism and local economy
o Businesses report visitors are deterred by eyesores, mess and intimidating behaviour
o Harm to Scarborough and Whitby’s reputation as family-friendly destinations
o Some hotel owners warn of falling bookings linked to unmanaged camping and anti-social behaviour
· Campervans and motorhomes
o Negative feedback includes no sanitary facilities results in waste dumped, grey water on roads, toilet chemicals emptied into public toilets, etc.
o Large vans blocking views, parking bays, residential streets and car parks
o Many campervan owners say they are responsible, spend money locally and want managed facilities
o Designated overnight motorhome stopovers, more bins and waste disposal points
o Fair, paid parking rather than blanket bans
· Calls for enforcement and action
o Common requests for stronger enforcement of no camping, no BBQ and no fires rules
o Requests to issue fines, remove tents and move people on quickly (confiscating equipment if necessary)
o Several note that current action is too slow, inconsistent or ineffective
The overwhelming sentiment is that unauthorised camping, fires, littering, and associated anti‑social behaviour have become widespread.
Most respondents believe the situation is unsafe, unsightly, damaging to the environment and tourism, and requires urgent and firm action. A smaller number request balanced solutions, recognising responsible users and recommending designated facilities rather than blanket bans.
Are there any other comments you would like to be considered in respect of this proposed PSPO or any of the nine locations being considered?
Many comments reflect what was said previously, but also include:
· Strong support for restrictions and enforcement
o Respondents repeatedly describe human waste, urination and defecation in public spaces
o Fire risks from barbecues, campfires and disposable BBQs
o Littering, dumped tents, rubbish bags ripped open by seagulls and damage to grass, benches, heritage sites and wildlife habitats
o Increased fear and intimidation, especially for families and women with aggressive or drunk behaviour at night and dogs running loose from camp areas
o Many say the behaviour is not wild camping, but fly camping, rough sleeping, or freeloading
o Many believe the situation damages the image of Scarborough and Whitby and drives away holidaymakers, harming local businesses
· Debate on homelessness vs tourism
o A large number of comments highlight that many tents are used by rough sleepers, not campers and "criminalising homeless people" is seen by some as unethical and ineffective
o Outreach workers say moving people on repeatedly makes them less safe and harder to support with calls for temporary managed areas and better support for homeless people
o Others argue public spaces are not safe or appropriate for rough sleeping and support should be offered, but activities must still be controlled
o Many respondents ask the council to distinguish between responsible wild campers (leave no trace, hikers, one-night stays), fly campers (groups, drinking, barbecues, litter) and homeless individuals (need support, not punishment)
· Concerns about enforcement
o A ban is pointless without visible, prompt enforcement and the council and police currently do not act fast enough
o Need for 24‑hour rangers, CCTV. more enforcement officers, and calls for on-the-spot fines, confiscation of equipment, and zero-tolerance approaches
o Worries that without proper enforcement the policy becomes “a paper exercise”
o Repeated concern that current bans are not applied consistently, such as overnight motorhome restrictions
o A major theme is that restrictions in the nine locations will simply push the problem elsewhere (residential streets, beaches, woodland, national park, moorland, rural lay-bys), which some say this already happened when campervan bans were introduced on Marine Drive
· Suggestions for longer-term or alternative solutions
o People request more public toilets, more bins and more frequent emptying, designated fire-safe zones and purpose-built camping areas (paid or permit-based)
o Clear signage to help reduce the risk of it happening
o Extending PSPOs to more areas, including Filey Country Park, Ravenscar, Tate Hill beach, Salt Pans Lane, Upgang Ravine, Whitby Marina and Cloughton, for example
Across these comments, there is broad support for taking action, but significant disagreement about how. Common sentiments include frustration that "nothing is ever done", decline of cherished spaces, deep desire to protect parks, historic gardens, and coastal heritage.
Strong support exists for a ban on camping, barbecues and fires in the nine locations, robust enforcement and protection of public spaces, tourism, and environmental assets, with calls for action before the situation becomes normalised.
But many stress that homelessness must be addressed compassionately, responsible wild campers and motorhome visitors should not be unfairly punished, providing facilities (toilets, bins, designated spaces) could reduce problems more effectively than bans alone and any PSPO must be part of a bigger, joined-up strategy, not a standalone measure
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