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Plans to stop repeat of Greatstone cook-out chaos after social media posts suggest second party in Camber this weekend

08:59, 12 August 2020

updated: 09:46, 12 August 2020

A council has spoken out over fears a second beach party could come to its district.

Following an illegal party last week - during which a policeman was hit by a car and three others were injured - Folkestone and Hythe District Council has become aware of another planned event for Camber this weekend.

A new party is planned for Sunday at Camber, with Rother District Council having already denied permission
A new party is planned for Sunday at Camber, with Rother District Council having already denied permission

Saturday night's 'beach cookout' in Greatstone was also originally planned for Camber, but moved to the Romney Marsh after being turned away from its initial destination.

Hoping to avoid the mess and disruption caused by the last one, the council has now sought to allay fears of a repeat.

In a Facebook post, the local authority wrote: "We have seen social media posts about an event planned for Camber Sands this coming Sunday (16 August).

"Our officers are working closely with Kent Police and Sussex Police to ensure all possible steps are taken to prevent unauthorised events from happening in our district.

"We fully understand the concerns of residents and are working hard to ensure Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh remain enjoyable for everyone."

The council is hoping to deter a repeat of last week's Greatstone event, which brought huge crowds and lots of rubbish to the beach
The council is hoping to deter a repeat of last week's Greatstone event, which brought huge crowds and lots of rubbish to the beach

As with last week's event, the so-called 'Lime on d'Beach' party is being planned ahead of time with food already being offered for pre-booking at £7.

Being advertised for Camber, the area's local council has already denied permission to the upcoming party sparking fears it could move to the Marsh like last week's.

This comes at a time when it is illegal to have a gathering of more than 6 people from different households, according to government guidance.

Four officers were injured during the pre-planned 'beach cookout' last week
Four officers were injured during the pre-planned 'beach cookout' last week

Another guideline states that people should "not hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 secure guidelines."

Rother council is liaising with Sussex Police about this second event.

A spokesman said: "We are aware of another event being advertised for this weekend at Camber Sands beach and are currently liaising with Sussex Police.

"The event organiser has not contacted the council or the police to facilitate the necessary planning and assessment to ensure public safety.

"The risks of Covid-19 have not gone away and each one of us has a part to play in preventing further outbreaks."

Kent Police has been contacted for more information on how they'll respond if a second party comes to Kent.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh

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