Richmond Falls on the River Swale became a no-go area for young families and older residents during the first lockdown when large groups of youths congregated at the waterfalls to drink, party and take drugs and laughing gas.

There were arrests for drug dealing and disorder, and the Royal Military Police from Catterick Garrison had to be drafted in to assist North Yorkshire Police with patrols.

In the aftermath of the Ibiza-style gatherings, many involving teenagers and young people who had travelled from the north-east, a large amount of litter including glass bottles, disposable barbecues and 'nos' canisters was left behind.

Richmondshire Council began discussions about implementing a Public Spaces Protection Order on the site soon after the issues were reported, and it is now set to be approved at a meeting next week.

The council was told there is widespread public support for taking strict action to ensure the problems are not repeated next summer.

CCTV cameras have already been installed at the spot after residents complained of intimidating behaviour, verbal abuse, aggression, foul language and defecating in public.

A task force was formed involving the council, police and other agencies, and 570 people responded to a consultation.

A PSPO has now been drawn up which will ban several anti-social activities at the Falls for at least three years, and could be extended if problems continue.

Anyone breaking the terms of the order can be legally moved on from the area and arrested if they return.

The ban includes:-

- Behaving in a way, including by congregating in a group, that causes or is likely to cause harassment, obstruction or concern for safety to another person in a public place

- Threatening and/or abusing people within the restricted area

- Continuing to consume alcohol when required to stop doing so by any authorised officer

- Being under the influence of controlled drugs or other psychoactive substance

- Throwing objects which are liable to cause damage, nuisance, or injury to any person, animal or structure

- Lighting or being in control of a fire or barbecue

- Littering and the irresponsible depositing of waste.

Coun Helen Grant from Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership said: “A Public Spaces Protection Order will provide a means of controlling several anti-social activities having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living, working and visiting the Falls and the Batts in Richmond."

Richmond Falls was one of several blackspots for illegal parties during the summer heatwaves in 2020, attracting youths when bars and nightclubs were closed, festivals cancelled and foreign travel restricted. Other areas which suffered similar issues included the River Wharfe at Ilkley - where a temporary PSPO was imposed following a mass brawl - Thomason Foss in the North York Moors National Park, and Threshfield Quarry near Skipton, which has since had its 'blue lagoon' drained. Awareness of each location spread via social media and in all cases partygoers were reported to have travelled long distances to reach the area.

Public Spaces Protection Order to be imposed on Richmond Falls - with barbecues and group gatherings permanently banned