WAR is being raged against illegal raves nationwide and police say they are ready for any repeat of 1992's notorious Castlemorton event.

The Local Government Association has warned illegal raves could sweep the nation again this summer.

The concerns have arisen due to the emergence of Nu Rave music and the ease at which an event can be advertised on the internet and using mobile phones.

As a result, there have been fears a repeat of the infamous Castlemorton Common festival could happen once again.

However, West Mercia Constabulary and Malvern Hills District Council say they do not anticipate there would ever be a repeat of the festival that saw about 20,000 people descend upon the common at the foot of the Malvern Hills for a week-long rave of non-stop music in May 1992.

Back then, the village was left in turmoil with piles of rubbish, excrement and syringes, and the event cost farmers, villagers and Malvern Hills District Council £16,000 to clear up. More than 100 sheep and lambs were also killed during the invasion.

A West Mercia police spokesman said although there is no specific indication that illegal raves would be taking place in the region this summer, it is being monitored.

"We have had plans to deal with potential raves in force for some time and they continue to monitor it," he said.

"Clearly, during the summer holidays and bank holiday period, it is more likely these kind of events could take place. Castlemorton was something of a watershed event and since then the powers the police have to deal with them have increased."

Legislation now allows police to stop and break up illegal festivals, while organisers have to apply to councils for a licence in order to stage an event.

Licensing officer Phil Browning said the council was ready should anything happen, although the land is owned by the Malvern Hills Conservators.

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