Stewards to confiscate alcohol at Richmond Falls to stop Ibiza-style parties

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, around 100 young people in swimwear gathered at the waterfalls on the River Swale to drink and party with drugs and laughing gas balloons - leading to the Dales beauty spot being dubbed 'the Ocean Beach Club of Yorkshire' after the famous Ibiza venue.

A large amount of litter was left behind and two men were arrested. Videos of partygoers dancing and inhaling nitrous oxide were widely shared on social media and many of the group were thought to have travelled from Teesside.

Richmondshire Council have now confirmed that stewards will patrol the area this weekend - when further warm weather is predicted - and alcohol will be confiscated from groups of young people. There will also be an increased police presence.

The security personnel will restrict access to the Falls by groups of young people and anyone who is seen to be carrying alcohol with them. They will prevent large gatherings and ensure the area is available to enjoy for local residents and their families.

A task group made up of representatives from Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire Police and councillors from both the district and county council agreed to the short-term solution to the issue. They will continue to look for a longer term solution.

Coun Helen Grant said: “We have received many, many representations from local people about the totally unacceptable behaviour witnessed at the Falls over the last two weekends.

“We have listened to those views and we are taking immediate action to make the Falls available to everyone. Anyone who is seen to have alcohol with them, and any large groups of young people, will be refused access to the area.

“We will not tolerate the behaviour we saw from these people. We are working to protect our beauty spot for local residents and visitors who want to treat it with respect, not as a party spot.”

North Yorkshire Police also released a statement about the Bank Holiday gathering. Meeting in groups from different households remains forbidden under lockdown regulations.

One man was served with a ticket for obstruction after being asked to move their car but refusing to do so. Two other men, a 30-year-old and a 29-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of disorder offences.

The 30-year-old, from Catterick Garrison, was given a penalty notice for disorder and the 29-year-old, from Staffordshire, has been charged with assaulting a constable, obstructing a constable, and using threatening words and behaviour. He is due to appear at York Magistrates Court in July.

Inspector Mark Gee said: “North Yorkshire Police have received a number of reports about antisocial behaviour and in some cases, disgusting behaviour, in the area of the Falls.

“Patrols will be stepped up and although police powers are limited in terms of coronavirus regulations, officers can make use of other powers such as dispersal orders, if the anti-social behaviour continues.

“Personal responsibility is now key to controlling the virus and while the police cannot enforce social distancing guidance, we urge people to remember that although some of the restrictions have been relaxed, the virus has not gone away, you can still catch it and pass it on to your family and friends.

“We also urge parents of young people to ensure they know what they are doing and where they are going.

“Officers have found empty nitrous oxide gas canisters at some locations, inhaling this can have serious health implications including suffocation and nerve damage.

"Please be aware of the risks and urge your children not to use it."

The Richmond Falls gathering was not the only lockdown party that North Yorkshire Police had to deal with over the Bank Holiday.

Threshfield Quarry, near Skipton, has now been permanently closed to the public after large groups drove to the disused limestone quarry in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to drink and swim in the 'blue lagoon' at the site. Residents complained of intimidating behaviour and inconsiderate parking. Many of the revellers were thought to have travelled from areas such as Leeds, Bradford and Keighley.

And around 50 people congregated at Thomason Foss waterfalls near Goathland in the North York Moors National Park to drink, smoke cannabis and use inflatables. Litter including soiled nappies and underwear was left behind and human faeces was found in gardens, the churchyard and a bus stop. The group were aged 17-25 and were thought to have travelled from urban areas.