Litter pick for fly campers instead of fine

Cumberland Council said the three young men collected seven bags of litter

Fly campers caught leaving waste behind at a beauty spot have been spared a fine but made to litter-pick for three hours.

Cumberland Council said the three young men, from Wigan breached a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in place at Ennerdale, in the Lake District, to safeguard the landscape.

The authority can punish the breach with £100 fines, but got the culprits to take part in a litter pick covering about 12 miles (19km) instead "in line with the principles of restorative justice".

"This ensured the behaviour was dealt with, while also encouraging greater understanding of the consequences of their actions," a council spokesman said.

The authority said when people do not engage with the "restorative process", fines are issued.

"This ensures there are clear and proportionate consequences, while prioritising both accountability and swift restoration of the site," the spokesman added.

'Priority to protect landscape'

Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable places said the Labour-led authority welcomed "responsible access to the outdoors", but did not tolerate damage to the environment.

"While enforcement remains an option, our priority is always to protect the landscape and encourage people to enjoy it responsibly," she said.

The council said it worked with the Lake District National Park Authority and local landowners, to uphold PSPOs and reduce the impact of irresponsible camping and anti-social behaviour.

It also said it was "committed to protecting landscapes" and tackling environmental harm.