IMMEDIATE action to prevent large scale gatherings at a Richmond beauty spot is to be taken.

Stewards are being brought in this weekend - May 30 and 31 - to marshall activity at Richmond Falls – which was blighted by anti-social behaviour over the bank holiday weekend.

They 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 of young people 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, this afternoon (May 28) agreed to the short term solution to the issue. They will continue to meet to look for a longer term solution.

“We have received many, many representations from local people about the totally unacceptable behaviour witnessed at the Falls over the last two weekends” said Councillor Helen Grant, deputy leader of Richmondshire District Council and lead on Community Safety.

“We have listened to those community 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.”

She said the situation will be reviewed after this weekend’s action.