EFFORTS to clean-up Gyllyngvase Beach are being hampered by delays in Cornwall Council agreeing to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) with Falmouth's environmental officers unable to issue fixed penalty notices

Falmouth Town Council's environmental education officers Tessa Marie and Sarah Walker cannot issue tickets but they have initiated a Sand Safe a partnership with Safer Falmouth working to reduce and prevent crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour.

Tessa and Sarah provide environmental education messaging for, and engagement with, users of the town’s open spaces, and Gyllyngvase Beach has kept them busy in recent weeks.

Town council clerk Mark Williams told the Packet that they already have the ability to issue fixed penalty notices for certain offences and if Cornwall Council agrees a PSPO for the beach then they can also be authorised to issue penalties under that provision, but only if Cornwall Council agree.

However, he said Cornwall Council already has the ability to enforce the rules under an existing by-law whereas Falmouth Town Council does not. There is already a PSPO in place controlling the consumption of alcohol.

"They already have the ability to issue fixed penalty notices for certain offences," said Mr Williams. "If Cornwall Council agree a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the beach then they can also be authorised to issue penalties under that provision, and if Cornwall Council agree. Although we would expect Cornwall Council in the first instance to enforce its own site and it could do that now under an existing bye-law."

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Cornwall Council has asked for evidence of anti-social behaviour on the beach before it agrees to the PSPO, which has been provided by the town council.

During the latest Sand Safe outreach event on Gyllyngvase Beach over Easter Weekend, the group spoke to over 450 local residents about issues relating to beach fires, unsafe disposal of BBQ’s and litter.

The Sand Safe initiative asks people to abide by three simple rules

  • No open fires on the beaches
  • Clean up after your dog and adhere to summer dog restrictions
  • No open fires on the beaches. BBQ’s are permitted on some beaches but must be disposed of in the bins provided.

Burning material can cause serious health issues. Screws in timber, sharp metal grill plates and embers can cause injury to adults, children and animals. Fires can cause plastic ‘pebbles’– a combination of melted plastic, shingle and seaweed- that can enter the food chain with devastating consequences for wildlife.

People are asked to stick to a BBQ where permitted, follow the safety instructions provided, never leave a BBQ unattended, keep children and pets away and let the BBQ cool completely preferably using water or sand before moving it and disposing of it carefully and responsibly in the bins provided. Never bury a BBQ in the sand as this could cause serious injury.