Dartmoor ready for summer influx

EXTRA marshals will be deployed across Dartmoor National Park this summer as they brace for visitors arriving in their droves.

Following the end of the first lockdown, the summer and autumn of 2020 saw intensive visitor pressure on the moor. The National Park Authority says while the increase and greater diversity of visitors is welcome, it brings significant challenges.

A Dartmoor National Park Authority meeting yesterday heard that they expect the challenges in 2021 to continue and be just as great, and visitors to once again flock to the national park.

To respond to the challenges, a joint visitor management plan for 2021 has been agreed, and the National Park are in the process of securing additional money from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Forestry Commission and others to support ‘National Park Marshals’, as well as using £40,000 from reserves to help fund them.

The Park will aim to encourage visitors to the moor but warns that if people ignore the rules and start to damage Dartmoor, then they will consider imposing restrictions. Alison Kohler, director of conservation and communities, said: “This will require a mix of good communications, infrastructure and people on the ground to help visitors.”

TWO men are under investigation for supplying heroin, following a police raid on a property in Penzance.

Devon and Cornwall Police officers went to Wood Street, Penzance, at around 9.30am yesterday, armed with rams to break down a door.

The force confirmed that officers raided an address on the road, with a warrant acquired under the Misuse of Drugs act.

A spokesperson said that “various items” were seized from the property.

Two men from Penzance, one in his 40s and another in his 50s, are now under investigation for supply of a class A drug – in this case, heroin – and proceeds of crime offences.

Neighbourhood sergeant Louisa Brown said: “This work would not be possible without the support of the local community providing information to assist in tackling the issues around drug misuse.

“Please continue to support us by reporting any concerns and information you have around drugs in your neighbourhood by calling Devon and Cornwall Police on 101.”

Go online to report concerns at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.