SEVERAL people are facing fines after illegally camping on a Dorset beach.

On Friday (July 22), police dealt with campers who were camping on Abbotsbury Beach.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Camping on Abbotsbury Beach is now legally enforceable with the Public Space Protection Order or PSPO. My visit tonight showed several people ignoring this PSPO.

“Their details will be passed to the Dorset Council for consideration of fines. Although it is the minority that leave mess behind it has been becoming an increasing problem over the years and the area is being spoiled for others.”

Bridport Police have also been patrolling the area to remind people of the new PSPO that came into force on July 1. During their patrol two groups were spoken to and told of the new legislation and advised to move to an authorised campsite.

The news came during Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week – which has seen police cracking down on anti-social behaviour.