Antisocial behaviour
Although Scalby Beck is a very scenic river it has a long history of anti social behaviour spanning many decades. From the Hackness Road Bridge downstream to the sea (see access points 3-8) Scalby Beck has various housing estates and caravan parks on its banks with no access allowed to outsiders. It’s urban location and easy accessibility make it a magnet for anti social behaviour and it is a favourite area for residents of certain low socio-economic areas of Scarborough.
Harassment and altercations are commonplace between various genuine visitors and fishermen and those up to no good. Unauthorised fishing is rife throughout the watercourse. The region from the Burniston Road Bridge area down to the sea is a particular problem area for the poaching of sea trout and salmon. Poaching is forever prevalent when the river is in spate and salmon and sea trout are running. Similarly poaching can be relied upon after restocking and the river is populated by very easy to catch, docile farmed trout. Coupled with this, the wrong doers are fully aware that the police service is stretched and the chance of them getting caught is extremely rare with the possibility of conviction virtually non existent.
Antisocial activities
The Beck is often chosen for unauthorised camping and drinking get togethers. Often camp fires or barbecues are lit and left burning after departure creating an obvious fire danger, particularly in summer. It is easy to spot where these get togethers have taken place because of the amount of rubbish (mainly beer cans) that has been left behind. It is such a shame that these people behave so irresponsibly and without any thought for the environment.
Similarly careless anglers are prone to abandoning flies, lures and spinners on branches etc as well as not taking their line home with them and disposing of it properly. All of this has an obvious effect on the natural wildlife which abounds on the beck.
