People in Dorchester could soon be fined for intentionally feeding seagulls if residents support plans for new anti-social behaviour orders.

Dorset Council has launched a consultation asking residents for their views on proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

The proposals include changes to existing PSPOs which currently cover West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland areas, but are due to expire next year. The new orders are set at town level for Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis and aim to renew and introduce powers that can be used by the council and partners to address anti-social behaviour.

In all six towns a dispersal order is being proposed, which would mean that people engaging in anti-social behaviour could be fined if they fail to move on when asked.

In Dorchester, the intentional feeding of gulls will be added to the existing PSPO, which will become an offence and the person could be fined.

The council is also asking for views on two new PSPOs relating to camping on beaches and wildfires.

The proposals would restrict camping on Chesil Beach, Weymouth Beach and Lulworth after a number of people camped on beaches during the summer months in 2020 and 2021, which led to a significant increase in nuisance complaints, damage to property, rubbish and human waste and destruction of natural habitat.

The Dorset Open Land Anti-Social Behaviour related PSPO aims to offer an additional measure in preventing wildfires, following the devastating fire at Wareham Forest in May 2020, which destroyed more than 220 hectares of the forest.

Councillor Laura Miller, portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: "Dorset Council has a key role to play in helping to make sure our public spaces can be used and enjoyed by everyone.

"We don't want to prevent or stop people from enjoying themselves responsibly, but we know how anti-social behaviour can impact our communities and we need to ensure we have measures and tools in place should we need them."

The consultation will be open until January 31 and can be found here.

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