Threshfield Quarry's 'blue lagoon' to be drained and blasted to stop lockdown parties

Large crowds of youths descended on Threshfield Quarry, near Grassington, after images of the quarry's 'blue lagoon' were shared widely on social media. Some have travelled from as far afield as Leeds, Bradford and even Blackpool to swim in the lake and hold 'Ibiza-style' lockdown parties.

Their presence led to a spate of anti-social behaviour in the village, with inconsiderate parking, dangerous driving, littering, public drug use and fighting all reported by residents of Threshfield.

Police closed the quarry and site owners Tarmac increased security patrols, but groups were still driving to the area after access had been blocked off, with many staying in Grassington to drink and use disposable barbecues instead.

Now Tarmac have drained the lake of water and will later undertake blasting work to deter visitors from travelling to the lagoon to swim.

Prior to the incidents over the Bank Holiday weekend, the site was a peaceful spot enjoyed by walkers and local residents. Since the quarry's closure in 2000, the land has been restored as a wildlife habitat and footpaths and nature trails had been opened in a section managed by a development trust.

At similar sites around the country where the remnants of chemicals used in quarrying have turned the water a deep shade of blue, black dye has been added to make it swimming less appealing, but Tarmac decided the public safety risk was too high for this course of action to be sufficient, and opted to drain the lagoon.

The formal request for blasting will be submitted to the North Yorkshire County Council. This work will prevent people from jumping from heights in the pit basin.

A spokesperson for Tarmac said: “While located near a footpath, the lake is itself on private land and it is extremely important for people to be mindful of the many dangers posed by straying from public rights of way in the site.

“The lake at Threshfield, as with all quarry lakes, is not designed for people to swim in at any time. Quarry water may look inviting, but it is extremely cold with hidden hazards and risks that can include cold water shock and drowning.

“We hope that the works being carried out will enable the site to be enjoyed responsibly as originally intended in the not too distant future.”

Tarmac have also employed extra security staff, reviewed access restrictions, erected additional signage and placed new gates at the front entrance.