Dorset Councillors have approved eight Public Spaces Protection Orders for 2022 to tackle anti-social behaviour which include Bridport, Dorchester and West Bay.
The new orders hold dispersal powers and will tackle unauthorised camping on Chesil Beach, Weymouth Beach and Lulworth in response to the rising number of people camping on beaches during recent summers, which led to a significant increase in nuisance complaints, damage to property, accumulation of rubbish and human waste and destruction of natural habitat.The orders come into force on July 1 and expire in June 2025.The Dorset Open Land Anti-Social Behaviour related PSPO offers an additional measure in preventing wildfires, following the devastating fire at Wareham Forest in May 2020 which destroyed over 220 hectares of the forest. This measure is supported by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, who emphasised they are committed to working with the council to protect these areas.
Cllr Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, said: “Dorset Council has a key role to play in helping to make sure our public spaces can be used and enjoyed by everyone.“We don’t want to prevent or stop people from enjoying themselves responsibly, but we know how anti-social behaviour can impact our communities.”