Threshfield Quarry in the Yorkshire Dales closed permanently after groups turn up to party at 'blue lagoon'

The water in the basin of Threshfield Quarry is a deep blue colour because of the presence of the limestone that was once extracted at the site - giving it the appearance of a tropical lagoon.

Yet youths who congregated at the site near Skipton over the Bank Holiday weekend to swim and drink have been criticised for breaking lockdown restrictions on group gatherings.

Shocking photos show litter left behind after illegal lockdown party in the North York MoorsLandowners Tarmac have now closed off access to the quarry - which has footpaths and nature trails - permanently due to the behaviour of visitors.

Social media users likened scenes at the lagoon to famous Ibiza club Ocean Beach and local residents cleared litter from the site after revellers had left.

There were aso reports of inconsiderate parking.

North Yorkshire public safety officer Lucy Osborn tweeted: "Threshfield Quarry is now closed permanently I’m afraid - same old story, the few have to ruin it for the majority. So please do not waste a journey travelling here."

Sergeant Paul Evans from North Yorkshire Police's Craven neighbourhood team added: "The quarry is private property and a decision has been made to restrict access due to safety fears. Young people have been jumping into deep water at the location and there were concerns that with drinking and possible drug use someone may come to some harm.

"We had been monitoring the site due to coronavirus concerns initially, as large groups of youths had been gathering possibly in contravention of the lockdown."

Threshfield ceased working operations in 2000, and since then the brownfield site has been identified for economic and environmental regeneration and education projects.

It is the largest area of the National Park that has been designated for development, and major restoration work has taken place since the limestone quarry's closure 20 years ago.

A series of footpaths had been constructed around the historic lime kilns, which link up to other trails in the area. A development trust based in Grassington has been set up to oversee future projects.

Similar incidents have been reported at other disused quarries around the country with 'blue lagoon' lakes - including at a site in Shropshire where several swimmers had to be rescued from the water on the same weekend.

Black dye is often poured into the water at a well-known lagoon in Derbyshire to deter swimming.