Tim Farron to take Lakes anti-social behaviour campaign to Parliament

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron will table a motion in the House of Commons when Parliament returns next week, calling for stronger action to tackle fly camping and anti-social behaviour in the Lake District.

A recent survey from the Friends of the Lake District revealed an epidemic of litter, fly-camping and thoughtless parking that blocks access and clogs roads across the National Park.

97% of people who took part in the survey said they had encountered litter, 80% reported wild-fires or barbecues, and 77% had seen fly-camping.

Tim’s Early Day Motion (EDM) calls on the Government to support local authorities to expand the use of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO). If a person is found to be in breach of a (PSPO) they can be issued with a fixed penalty notice or fined up to a maximum £1,000 on conviction.

The EDM also calls for the Government and local agencies to improve visitor education about the Countryside Code.

Tim said: “Appalling anti-social behaviour in the Lake District has been a constant source of frustration for local residents over recent months.

“Beauty spots in our treasured national park are but being spoilt by the inconsiderate actions of a minority of people.

“There are two things that need to happen. One is around education and promoting the Countryside Code so that we put the emphasis back on personal responsibility and respecting the communities we visit.

“But the more immediate task is around enforcement. That’s why I’m urging ministers to give our local authorities, including our local police force, greater resources to enforce tougher punishments on those committing anti-social behaviour.”