The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Anger over illegal rave
Police were aware but were too busy to attend
Cambridgeshire police have confirmed they were aware of a ‘rave’ in Peterborough that saw more than 400 people gather on council land.
The rave took place in the Chestnut play area near the Chestnut Centre in Eastgate on Friday night and residents have complained about litter and rubbish left strewn across the parkland.
Cambridgeshire police said a dispersal order had been put in place to stop the gathering ahead of the event.
A police spokesperson said: “We were aware of a planned large gathering in Norman Road, Peterborough, on Friday (7 August).
“As a result, a decision to put in place a dispersal order was taken by the local policing team.
“The order was put in effect from 6.20pm on Friday to 5am on Saturday morning (8 August) and covered Eastfield Road, Boongate and the A1139 Frank Perkins Parkway.
“However, officers began receiving reports of a crowd of up to 150 people attending the area and loud music being played.
“Due to other operational commitments and ongoing incidents, officers were not able to immediately attend.
“It was not reported there was any threat to public safety.
“Police attended the area at about 9.45pm and a crowd of about 400 people were in the area. Officers engaged with the attendees and organisers, encouraging them to disperse. By 11pm, the majority of people had left the area with the music turned off.
“No arrests were made.” Despite police being aware of the event, a Peterborough City Council spokesman said they had not been made aware until it had already started.
A spokesman said: “Whilst the rave happened on our land we had no prior knowledge of this until the police informed us as it was happening.
“From this point we worked in partnership with the police to help disperse and secure the site then begin a clean up. We then returned to again Sunday morning to conclude this.”
The police response to the event drew criticism from Peterborough MP Paul Bristow, who said: “I’m going to get the local authority to clear this up but the police and everyone responsible for law and order in this city need to crack down on illegal parties like this.
“It is not OK.”