Block off those ravers
Block off those ravers
A SENIOR police officer believes barricades should be set up to prevent partygoers from holding illegal raves on farms. Inspector Joe Wrigley of Essex Police said farmers should discourage ravers from entering properties by parking vehicles across gateways.
Longer and warmer evenings are prompting fears that partygoers will increasingly target farms for the unlicensed all-night events. Inspector Wrigley said: "If your farm is at the end of a long track then park something big at the bottom so any [disco] equipment would have to be carried a long way."
Legislation was introduced in 1994 to deal with the problem of raves but a loophole means it only covers those taking place in the open air. As a result, the NFU believes barns, grain stores and other farm buildings are likely to be the top targets for organisers looking for suitable venues.
NFU Essex policy adviser Eleanor Gregg said: "There have been a series of incidents where members have had their property invaded by ravers who have danced away until dawn. "We want to see this loophole closed but that will take time. In the meantime were working with the police to try to minimise the risk." *
Ms Gregg urged farmers to seek advice from local police and support Farm Watch schemes. Barns and grain stores should be locked. Farmers should be aware that accepting money to hold a rave could make them liable for public entertainment licences, health and safety regulations and any breaches that occur.