Illegal Raves in Penselwood - update from Parish Council

[geoff parcell]

Dear Parishioner,
The village has suffered from illegal raves for a number of years, to the point where we are now seeking to obtain much more help to ensure that we put an end to this intrusion and violation of the enjoyment of our environment.
The most recent raves, held on the Gallops at Pen Ridge, were held on the 22nd and 23rd June and 27th and 28th July. Following the June rave, a parishioner and I met with the Landowner and the Chairman of Stourton and Gasper Parish Council.
At the meeting, the landowner agreed to block the entrance to the rave site with large stones and to secure the smaller gate entrances. However, this action would not be immediate because he needed to use the access whilst work to thin out an area of tree planting was taking place. (A delay of about 6 weeks). It was also agreed to set up an “early warning” WhatsApp group. I had an alert at 21.57 on 27th July and the parishioner reported the situation to the police at 21.58. I was up at the site by 22.10 and phoned the Police to report that there between 50 and 100 people on site. As I drove back towards the village, I passed the police heading towards the Gallops. (Police in the village within 10 minutes of the first call to them).
After the June rave, I wrote to the Police & Crime Commissioner with number of questions/issues that were considered to be relevant to our cause. My letter was passed to The Professional Standards Department at Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters who have passed my “complaints” to an Inspector in the Somerset East Neighbourhood Policing Team and a supervisor of the communications department regarding my question about the mix up of location. Was it in Somerset or Wiltshire having been given the What3Words location.
My letter was dated 29th June 2024 and I am still waiting for a response to my questions.
I refrained from writing to our MP (until I had received a response from the Police) until I was asked, by another parishioner, to forward a letter to Sarah Dyke on their behalf. In my covering letter to Sarah Dyke MP, I did stress that feelings of helplessness, frustration, anger and disappointment at Police inaction are very strong in the village and surrounding area.
I am aware that a number of parishioners have written to Sarah Dyke and we are assured, by staff members in her office, ”that it is firmly on her radar” and that she “has contacted the police previously regarding raves in Pen Selwood. She has contacted the police again following recent events and requested substantive feedback” and “she has requested a meeting with the police to discuss the matter.”
The more factual letters we can get sent to our MP, the more chance we have of getting action and the more strength we give to her arguments when she meets with the police. Her email address is [e-mail]
You could also forward the letter to Clare Moody, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner at Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters, Valley Road, Portishead, Bristol. BS21 8JJ.
I have added an example letter (from Alan Webber to Sarah Dyke MP) to highlight the main issues we would like to have answers to.
Please contact me if you would like further details
Kind Regards
Andrew Jenkins
(Chairman Pen Selwood Parish Council)
5th August 2024

Dear MP,

Our village has been the target of annual “Raves”, recently two in quick succession. The impact on residents is considerable:

1. A small hilltop community served by single lane roads with no through route. Searching Pen Selwood on Google Maps will clarify.


2. Raves are repeatedly staged at “The Gallops”, a field to the Southeast of the “arrow point” hairpin bend adjacent to the legend “Pen Hill” on the road.


3. These events are held without -
3a The Landowner’s permission. Check with Stourhead Western Estates.
3b. Any provision for vehicle parking. Thus, the single lane roads are restricted by random verge parking along large sections.
3c. Provision of any form of “Services”, as in portable toilets, security staff, administration etc. This leads to human fouling of the environment and depositing of drink and drug detritus.
3d. Adequate separation from residents regarding noise, in consideration of the considerable volume of sound generated.


4. Our rural community may only expect a level of policing commensurate with expected “crime”, this has been realised each time with a small detachment of the Service faced with a large crowd.

This leads to the unfortunate circumstances of -
4a. No opportunity to intervene at the time to stop the Rave at its outset.
4b. Many drivers departing without any checks of their capability to drive following all night action with possible alcohol and chemical influences added into the equation.

Please can you investigate whether a “special operation” can be instigated to remove the issue at its root, by:

1. Identifying the organisers and delivering a final warning as to consequences of further Rave booking.


2. Drilling down into the methods the organisers employ as invitations to attend, with the aim of preventing repeats.


3. Arranging a coded “call-out” within the Police Service, such that, where a Rave is obviously about to occur, a large contingent of officers can be rapidly deployed.


4. Following on from this, assure the officers that they have the authority to immediately confiscate the rigs used at the events.

This will:

1. Preclude the organisers from profiting from trespass and the purveying of illegal substances.


2. Eliminate the consequent risks to attendees at the time, or later departing in cars when, conceivably, not in full control of their vehicles.

Thank you in anticipation of your understanding of, and assistance in resolving, our community horror.


With Kindest Regards,
Alan
Alan Webber 01747 840952

[Stella Parcell]

Thank you for the comprehensive update Andrew.  It is reassuring to know that things have been started behind the scenes.  Let’s hope that enough complaints from residents result in some positive action by our representatives and we have a timely result!