Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are legal tools used to help tackle anti-social behaviour in public areas. They give police and authorised council officers additional powers to intervene when behaviour is causing annoyance, harassment, alarm or distress.
Current PSPO Areas
PSPOs are currently in place across:
- Lancaster city centre
- Morecambe town centre
- Lower Heysham
- Happy Mount Park
- Williamson Park
These orders help address issues such as:
- Street drinking (alcohol can be confiscated)
- Possession or use of psychoactive substances (including nitrous oxide)
- Anti-social behaviour in public spaces
Dog Control PSPOs
In November 2020, Lancaster City Council introduced four PSPOs to address dog-related issues across the district. These help ensure public safety and cleanliness in parks, streets, and other shared spaces.
1. Removal Of Dog Faeces
It is an offence to fail to clean up after your dog on any land that is open to the public. This applies district-wide.
2. Dog Exclusion
Dogs are banned from specific areas where they may pose risks, including:
- Enclosed children’s playgrounds
- Enclosed sports pitches
- Splash park at Happy Mount Park
- Morecambe's North and South beaches between 1 May and 30 September each year
3. Dogs On Leads Under Direction
Authorised officers may require a dog to be placed on a lead if it is causing a nuisance. This applies district-wide and is used in exceptional circumstances (e.g. during events or in busy areas).
4. Dogs On Leads
Dogs must be kept on a lead in the following areas:
- All public highways, footways, and adjoining verges (including Morecambe Promenade)
- Council-maintained car parks and public vehicle areas
- Cemeteries and churchyards
- Certain council parks and gardens
Enforcement and Penalties
Failure to comply with a PSPO may result in:
- A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100
- Prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000
Last updated: 03 November 2025