Call for Army to protect village from river ‘raves’

The easing of lockdown has been welcomed by many but has also led to an unwanted impact in some areas across the West as people head for the great outdoors. Tristan Cork reports

ACOMMUNITY leader in a village near Bristol has called for the Army to be deployed to stop large groups of young people gathering by the River Avon.

Phil Harding said young people have been running amok in the village of Saltford, gathering in large numbers to hang out by the River Avon.

Mr Harding, the chairman of the Saltford Environment Group, claimed this “puts us all at serious risk”.

He said that not only were the large numbers of young people breaking social distancing rules and risking spreading coronavirus, but he claimed they were using the easing of coronavirus lockdown to “cause unrestrained mayhem”.

Last weekend, during the hot weather, things began to get more crowded at the river in Saltford, and on Monday, it was reported that the Saltford Environmental Group had complained to the police about the large numbers gathering at the river.

“It is dangerous. It is like a raving spot now,” said Mr Harding on Monday.

“Residents are concerned it is like a rave with all the people coming down here and not social distancing.

I heard more than 200 people came down. You cannot get out of the way when there are that many people.

“People don’t think social distancing is an issue. It is inconsiderate of others.”

But Mr Harding said things took a turn for the worse on Tuesday, when a group of young people visited Saltford in the late afternoon. He claimed they were involved in confrontations with local people, and “used expletives” when they were asked to pick up litter they’d dropped.

“Their parents must be so proud of them – but do they know or even care what their children do when they are out with their mates?” he asked.

“We know the police do a fantastic job in very challenging circumstances, they are our local heroes, but they are struggling to cope which puts us all at serious risk. They badly need support from the Army, who have finished building Nightingale Hospitals, to enable them to spend time finding and charging those who think they are beyond the reach of the law and any semblance of public decency.

“Let’s hope the Government is listening and deploys the military to help the police protect our rural villages and beauty spots from a significant minority who are using the easing of lockdown to cause unrestrained mayhem.

“Enough is enough!”

Problems with large groups of people gathering at the river have eased somewhat with the end of the mini-heatwave, but Avon and Somerset police have told the residents of Saltford that they will be continuing to monitor the situation.

On Monday, police closed the road to the river and brought in mounted police to assist with patrols to combat antisocial behaviour.

On Tuesday, Insp Gavin Usher, from Avon and Somerset police, told parish councillors and villages they would continue to increase patrols of the area, especially at the weekends.

“The Keynsham Neighbourhood Team has reviewed the incidents which took place over the weekend and can see a marked increase in persons using the riverside locations in Saltford,” said Insp Usher, on Tuesday, before the problems of Tuesday evening.

“The three further complaints from concerned residents evidence the problems being caused to the residents by the visitors’ behaviour.

“Officers attended and dealt with the traffic congestion and were supported by officers from the mounted section. Officers also attended to deal with the other reports of antisocial behaviour.

“As much as possible, my team is intent on preventing further difficulties for residents. To that end the team will maintain regular patrols in the village to monitor traffic and people, give advice and enforce breaches of the law.

“This coming and future weekends the Keynsham Neighbourhood Team will aim to staff the village with an officer throughout the working tour of duty, subject to other incidents as they arise.

“I hope this provides reassurance that we are aware of the issues and have a patrol plan in place increasing visibility in the area.”

People fill the beach at Durdle Door despite Dorset Council announcing that the beach was closed to the public on May 31. Right, people at the beach in Bournemouth on June 2 and top right, cars parked in the car park at Durdle Door on May 30