Consultation on a proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Low Force, High Force, Gibson's Cave and surrounding areas

What's the latest?

Background

PSPOs are put in place so that people can use and enjoy public spaces safely, away from anti-social behaviour. Anyone who fails to follow the rules in a PSPO, without a reasonable reason, is committing a criminal offence and can receive a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice). We have the power to give out a PSPO under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Low Force, High Force, Gibson's Cave and their surrounding areas are well regarded for their natural beauty and offer a special experience for those wishing to experience some of the country's rarest nature. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, part Natural Nature Reserve and is in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark.

The problems

The area has seen a large growth in visitors since the first lockdown in spring 2020. Most visitors are well behaved, but unfortunately, there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour that is affecting this fragile and special environment and spoiling the enjoyment of the majority of users. There is a concern that the warmer weather will bring a third summer of issues if further action is not taken.

The issues experienced since March 2020 include:

• significant alcohol consumption
• evidence of drug and nitrous-oxide use
• swearing
• nudity
• aggression
• jumping into the river from cliffs that have vulnerable plants
• jumping into the river from the pedestrian bridge and public right of way, and obstructing other users
• graffiti on rocks
• over-night camping
• fires and disposable barbeques damaging vegetation
• defecation
• significant amounts of litter on land and in the river
• obstructive parking and parking on double yellow lines
• knocking down walls to gain access
• uncontrolled dogs

What we already have in place

Since 2020, we have worked with a range of people, including landowners, the Police and Fire and Rescue services, Natural England and volunteers from the AONB and Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS) to reduce the impact of this behaviour. We have:

• added large roadside litter bins
• introduced regular staff and volunteer litter collections and patrols
• introduced regular Neighbourhood Warden, Police and Fire and Rescue Officer visits
• employed rangers and security contractors
• removed of graffiti
• added signs to explain what behaviour we do not want including jumping into the river
• repaired dry stone walls
• added double yellow lines to nearby roads and parking fines
• used cones and road signs to try and remove poor parking

This year, staff will again be working at busy times, particularly bank holidays, to support where necessary in education, prevention and enforcement.

What we are proposing

Map of the proposed PSPO area

The land is owned by the Raby and Strathmore Estates and the area has general informal public access which is arrived at along public footpaths.

What the PSPO would mean for visitors

The order, which will last for three years, will make the following activities an offence within the proposed area:

• drinking alcohol after being told to stop by an authorised officer
• being under the influence of controlled drugs or other psychoactive substances
• lighting, or being in control of, a fire or barbeque
• behaving in a way, including gathering in a group, that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, obstruction or concern for the safety of others
• threatening or abusive behaviour
• throwing objects which are likely to cause damage, nuisance or injury to a person, animal or structure
• camping or sleeping in the area overnight

The PSPO will be used by us and the Police together with other methods such as education, to ensure the local environment is protected from damage and all visitors can enjoy their experience.

Draft Anti-social Behaviour Order - Low Force, High Force, Gibson’s Cave and surrounding area (PDF, 63 KB)

Have your say

We sought views from the local community and visitors and other interested parties including:

• Do you support the proposal as an effective way to control anti-social behaviour in the area?
• Do you agree that it should contain the powers listed?