NEARLY twenty bin bags full of rubbish were cleaned up after revellers left behind their mess at a Lake District tourist hotspot.

Bowness resident Naomi Emerson took photos of camp chairs, plastic bags, cans, plates and disposable barbecues left at The Glebe in Bowness on September 11. 

Westmorland and Furness council called littering 'a common problem.'

Barbecues on The Glebe are banned under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and threatened prosecution for anyone caught littering. 

A council spokesperson said: "We are aware of the extensive littering left on the Glebe last weekend, but sadly, this is a common problem during sunny weekends.

“BBQs are banned at the Glebe as part of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and there’s signage around the park highlighting this. More than 17 black bin bags full of rubbish were cleaned up by our ground maintenance team over the weekend.

“There’s absolutely no excuse for this behaviour. There’s plenty of bins provided on site and BBQs should not be there at all. Not only does litter have an impact on the environment and the park itself, but it also costs the council money to clean up after people. Money which could be better spent elsewhere.

READ MORE: Litter left at Cockshott Point near Bowness

“Littering is a criminal offence and anyone caught in the act will be prosecuted.”

It is not the first time this year that the popular tourist spot has had issues with litter and illegal activity. 

Last month, Westmorland and Furness council workers had to respond to a tent pitched illegally on The Glebe. They left an informal notice asking the occupant to move on or contact the council if they needed assistance. 

At the time, the council asked people to 'respect and use parks appropriately.' 

Days later, wine bottles, cider cans, plastic bottles and a disposable barbecue were left at Cockshott Point, which is a nearby beauty spot. 

The National Park Authority has also weighed in on the issue of littering, saying that there was 'no excuse' for the Cockshott Point incident. 

It asked people to 'play your part in caring for this special place.'