Leftover meat packets, barbecue trays and towels are just some of the items found strewn across one of the North East's best‑known beauty spots.
Durham County Council neighbourhood wardens shared an image from Low Force in Teesdale, showing discarded food packaging and picnic gear left behind.
They said the mess was discovered around Low Force, a popular stretch of the River Tees that attracts families and walkers throughout the summer.
Posting on social media, wardens urged people to take all litter home with them, including food scraps, and to stick to marked paths to protect wildlife and fragile habitats.
They also reminded dog owners to clean up after their pets and “dispose of waste responsibly”, and asked visitors not to light fires, campfires or barbecues unless specifically permitted.
Low Force, High Force and Gibson’s Cave are all covered by a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour at the beauty spots.
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Under the order, people are banned from consuming alcohol or controlled drugs, lighting fires or barbecues, camping overnight or behaving in a harassing, obstructive, threatening or abusive manner.
Anyone caught breaching the PSPO conditions at the Teesdale sites can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £250, rising to £500 for repeat offences.
The council says enforcement powers are in place over the spring and summer months to help protect the area and keep it safe and clean for residents and visitors.
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