AN ILLEGAL rave involving drug-taking and drinking was held in Cheddar at the weekend.

AN ILLEGAL rave involving drug-taking and drinking was held in Cheddar at the weekend.

More than 110 people travelled from as far as Swindon, Midsomer Norton and Bristol to go along to the unauthorised party at the Old National Power Testing Station in Chelms Coombe, at the top of Tuttors Hill.

One person was arrested for possession of drugs and countless others had to be removed from the site when police descended on the rave on Saturday night.

More than 30 police officers were called in to the sleepy Somerset village after a resident telephoned to say lots of vehicles were heading up the hill.

Sgt Michael Tripp, of Cheddar police, said: "We believe the rave was organised by someone local who knew the area well.

"We were told the rave was organised and advertised on a chat forum on a website."

Most of the people at the rave were in their 20s and by 2.30am on Sunday police had managed to shut it down, although the last group of people was not escorted off the site until 4.30am.

Sgt Tripp said: "We seized all the music equipment and sound systems, which we are allowed to do, even if we do not think they were stolen.

"We need to show we will not stand for this in Cheddar and will shut down any illegal raves or unlicensed events.

"We cannot remember anything like this happening in the village before and it is unusual for a rave to be organised at this time of year.

"We are talking to the landowners to make sure the site is properly secured and urge farmers to make sure barns and outbuildings are secure as well."

Anyone with information about this rave or others that might be organised in the area is urged to call Avon and Somerset Police on 0845 456 7000.

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