MEASURES are being put in place for the bank holiday weekend to protect a North Yorkshire beauty spot blighted by anti social behaviour.

When lockdown restrictions eased last year, the Richmond Falls and Batts area were subject to large crowds of young people which led to inconsiderate behaviour, drinking, drug taking and littering.

For this weekend’s Easter break, Richmondshire District Council has arranged a series of measures with key partners to control any large crowds and prevent bad behaviour.

Stewards will patrol key access points to prohibit the taking of alcohol and drugs; additional bins will be provided for litter; increased police presence will be in place and there will be increased parking enforcement.

The Falls car park will be open – as will all the surrounding roads - and the stewards will be patrolling the car park to ensure that considerate visitors and residents can all be accommodated.

A rota of district council officers has also been set up to oversee the operation and make sure there is effective liaison between key agencies like the police, stewards and traffic officers.

Councillor Helen Grant, community safety lead for the District Council, said: “One of the key elements is the weather and currently it is forecast to be good.

“From our experience last year, we have measures in place so that we can protect our residents and visitors alike.

"As we have said previously we welcome visitors who want to come to the area but equally we don’t welcome those who come and act in an anti-social way.”