Cowbar public spaces protection order
Consultation on proposed renewal of Cowbar Open Space Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2022 tackling antisocial behaviour and nuisance and camping at Cowbar
Redcar and Cleveland council wants to know your views on its proposal to renew or extend the existing powers it had brought into force October 2022 to tackle antisocial behaviour and nuisance on open space at Cowbar Lane, Cowbar, for another 18 months (until 31 March 2027).
The council had exercised its PSPO powers to prohibit antisocial behaviour and nuisance on open space at Cowbar to tackle issues associated with visitors camping here including overnight.
The order does not prohibit camping but does prohibit a range of antisocial behaviours which have been associated with a minority of visitors to Cowbar over the last few years. The council welcomes responsible visitors and encourages them to respect their surroundings including nearby natural habitats during their stay.
The current powers take the form of a public spaces protection order (PSPO). These powers allow the council [and the police] to take enforcement action by issuing on the spot £100 fines to anyone who:
- deposits any litter anywhere within the [Cowbar Open Space] Restricted Area other than in a receptable intended for this purpose [Cleveland police and Redcar & Cleveland council]
- urinates or defecates anywhere within the Restricted Area [Cleveland police and Redcar & Cleveland council]
- deposits any human waste, including grey water or chemical toilet waste, anywhere within the Restricted Area other than in a facility designed for this purpose …lights a fire, barbeque (including disposable barbeques), candle or stove of any type in the Restricted Area [Redcar & Cleveland council]
- places, throws or drops in the Restricted Area anything likely to cause a fire Redcar & Cleveland council]
- acts in such a way which causes or is likely to cause alarm, harassment, distress, or nuisance to the public, including people living in the locality, in particular shouting and swearing at, or abusing, threatening or otherwise intimidating (including by the use of sexual language or making sexual suggestions) another person[Cleveland police and Redcar & Cleveland council]
As public spaces protection orders may not have effect for a period of more than three years at a time the current order will expire 30 September 2025 unless the council exercises its PSPO powers to extend the order.
The council’s review of the order concluded its renewal was necessary to prevent the occurrence or recurrence or the increase in frequency or seriousness of antisocial behaviour and nuisance on open space at Cowbar.
The council proposes to extend the order for a further 18 months, not three years, so it can carry out a thorough-going review considering a range of issues which have emerged recently, that could be addressed by varying the order further, including:
- the lighting of fires, barbeques (including disposable barbeques), candles or stoves of any type at Saltburn beach
- activities likely to cause fires at some of our upland natural spaces including moors, heaths and plantations, such as Eston hills, Errington woods, and Guisborough woods etc.
- antisocial behaviour and nuisance activities associated with overnight campers at other locations, including Marine Parade, Saltburn by the sea, and at the car park and its immediate neighbourhoods at Cattersty sands, Skinningrove
You can view the consultation document providing detailed background information on the council's proposals to renew this Order below:
Below you can view the location map for the open space in Cowbar where the proposed retained prohibitions apply:
You will need to complete the below survey to give your views:
The last date for responses is Monday 8 September 2025.
Alternatively, you can collect and return paper copies of the survey questionnaire at the following libraries and council buildings:
Loftus Library and Community Hub:
- Monday - 9am until 5pm
- Wednesday - 9am until 4pm
- Thursday - 10am until 6pm
- Friday/Saturday - 10am until 2:00pm
Redcar Library and Community Hub:
- Monday - 10am until 2pm
- Tuesday/Wednesday - 9am until 5pm
- Thursday - 11am until 7pm
- Friday - 9am until 5pm
- Saturday - 10am until 2:00pm
Redcar Town Deal
Have your say on multi-million pound plans for Redcar.
Redcar was granted £25 million from Government to help transform the town.
The latest set of proposals include a new family activity centre and cultural hub, improvements to Station Road, the creation of a new events space, and improvements to the high street and esplanade.
The Redcar Town Board, made up of representatives from across the public and private sector, would like residents and business owners to have their say.
Click the link below to find out more: