Camping and party ban planned for 'raves' beach
Northumberland County CouncilCamping, barbecues, parties and off-road vehicles could be banned on a beach under plans put forward by a council.
A consultation has been launched by Northumberland County Council to create a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) around Druridge Bay, near Morpeth, in an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Labour councillor Scott Dickinson backed the plans and said the rules were not about "being the fun police" but were designed to "protect the area" for everyone to enjoy.
He claimed: "People's pets have been hospitalised to vets through the consumption of human faeces in the dunes that have contained drugs that people have taken at raves [on the beach]."
Dickinson said the new measures would help prevent damage to the environment and stop illegal campers littering and "emptying chemical toilets on the dunes".
He said fires had destroyed "acres and acres of land and wildlife" and unauthorised parties had led to drinking and antisocial behaviour.
"We have experienced, over a long period of time, the bay becoming more and more popular with tourists and a variety of other visitors.
"What we find is that we've had multiple issues now, particularly last summer, where lots of resources have been put in to deal with the fallout from that."
The council is also considering installing solar-powered CCTV camera to monitor the area and deter anti-social behaviour.
The consultation on the PSPO has opened and residents have until 1 May 2026 to share their views.