Plans to protect Richmond beauty spots from anti-social behaviour will once again be in place for the Bank Holiday weekend, officials say.
The falls and Batts saw large crowds of young people, inconsiderate behaviour, widespread drinking, drug taking and littering last year during the pandemic.
This weekend, Richmondshire District Council is putting in place measures it took at Easter 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; a 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 considerate visitors and residents can 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.
The work will enforce the recently introduced PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) for the area which gives the police and council officers the power to move groups on, fine them for unruly behaviour and prevent certain activities. It will be in place for three years and the following restrictions will apply:
- Behaving in a way, including congregating in a group that causes or could cause harassment, annoyance, distress or harm
- Threatening or abusing people
- Continued consumption of alcohol when asked to stop by an authorised officer
- Being under the influence of controlled drugs or other psychoactive substance
- Throwing of objects likely to cause damage, injury or nuisance to people, animals or structure
- Lighting or being in control of a fire or barbecue
- No littering, not to throw down, drop or deposit and then leave litter in any place
