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For Another Path

User conflict and other issues

The way that the North Down Coastal Path is used by the public is governed by a set of bye laws which are designed to address a variety of issues on publicly managed lands.   Bye laws create a carefully defined set of conditions that enable local government to prosecute anyone in contravention.

To help the council know how best to place their resources when enforcing bye laws, members of the public need to report issues.  Even if you are unsure whether a bye law covers your particular complaint, it is still important to advise council officers as this will help them to develop strategies and best manage their resources.

Reports and complaints to other agencies, such as the police or on social media, do not carry any weight with council officials, so it is important to contact the council directly. There are various options.

Official reports can be emailed to:

enquiries@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/

Or in writing to: 

Enforcement Department, City Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT

Alternatively, you can ask a local councillor to make a report on your behalf (councillors’ contact details are listed here).   If you take this route, make a point of asking the councillor to ensure that your comments/complaint are sent to the relevant department, and ask for confirmation that your comments have been officially received.

We are mentioning this because, if reports are officially registered, they cannot be ignored and in the long term they can be used to consider bye laws and policy that is in the best interests of all users of the coastal path.

There is no finite list of what you may or may not deem to be a problem on the path. However, if no bye law currently exists to address it, the information you provide might help as the council develops and adapts bye laws in future. If your issue is outside the council’s jurisdiction, they should direct you to the relevant authority.

Issues that require formal reporting might include:

  • Dog fouling – especially if you are aware of a repeat offender and where and when this might be happening
  • Dog control issues or dogs off leads in designated ‘dogs on leads’ areas
  • Littering – if there is a particular time and place when offenders might be caught ‘in the act’
  • Dangerous cycling – if a person has been injured or frightened by someone cycling without due care, or if you feel there has been a near miss
  • Drug or alcohol use – if you see evidence of where this might be happening
  • Abuse from other members of the public, particularly if this relates to how you wish to use the coastal path
  • Disturbance to natural areas or wildlife
  • Damage to property, fencing or path surfaces