Police issue zero tolerance warning on raves in Conwy Valley

Jun 3 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Clocaenog Forest

POLICE have issued a warning to young revellers that outdoor raves will not be tolerated this summer following a call-out to an alleged rave at the weekend.

The incident took place on Sunday in Penmachno in the Conwy Valley.

An entry on the North Wales Police helilog, which records the movements of the force’s helicopter, said officers were instructed to locate a rave taking place in the forest after complaints were received.

Reports suggested the rave had been going on all night, but after a search of the area police said they found occupants inside a vehicle playing loud music.

They were moved on after causing the disturbance, a spokeswoman confirmed.

One resident said they could hear music in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“You could hear the sound of a constant drum beat in the distance,” said the eyewitness.

“We saw the police helicopter circling but no one really knows what was going on. I heard a couple of villages were kept awake by it on Saturday night.

“Whether it was a car or an actual rave, it’s not the kind of behaviour we would encourage round here.”

North Wales Police has since issued a warning to any individuals planning unlicensed open air events throughout the summer.

Speaking on behalf of North Wales Police, Chief Inspector Andrew Williams said: “The natural beauty of the North Wales area has, on occasions, led itself to the unfortunate seasonal phenomenon of open air gatherings.

“Events of this type are illegal unless they are licensed and the organiser has complied with his or her lawful requirements.

“Illegally held events are a nuisance to the local community and are, through their lack of organisation and regulation, quite frankly dangerous.

“The regulation is there for a purpose and in the main ensures that attendees at an event are kept safe.”

He added: “We will not tolerate illegal events and actions taken may include the arrest of those organising or attending the gathering, as well as the seizure of any music equipment.

“This may well be followed with court action and possible imprisonment.”

The Conwy Valley has been targeted by rave organisers in the past, thanks to the secluded rural locations on offer, and locals are hoping this doesn’t happen again and leave a bad impression on people visiting the region.

Mike Williams from Betws-y-Coed and District Tourism Association said he supported the police’s approach.

He said: “Obviously we want to encourage as many visitors to Betws and the surrounding area and we have nothing against any correctly licensed and officially organised events.

“But I’m sure something as big as an illegal rave would never take place in Betws as it hasn’t before, but it is not something we would condone.

“We have to think of the residents, Betws is a close-knit community and would be affected by an all-night rave, it’s not something we would want here.

“I support the police in their approach to illegal raves.”