DEVON and Cornwall Police Constabulary have put safety measures in place to ensure public safety in case an illegal gathering takes place this weekend on the disused airfield at Smeatharpe.

In June 2002 approximately 1,000 people with 200 vehicles set up an illegal gathering on the disused airfield at Smeatharpe.

Many of the people had been unable to gain access to the organised festival at Glastonbury, and so descended on Smeatharpe putting public safety at risk because there were no safety measures in place.

The force and other agencies took positive action to minimise the risk and reassure local residents.

A high profile police presence was maintained and some 23 people ware arrested. A number of vehicles were removed.

For many months now the force has been liasing with other agencies and the residents of Smeatharpe to draw up contingency plans to deal with any possible illegal incursions at this year's festival.

The contingency plan aims to prevent any local residents suffering anti-social behaviour, inconvenience or disruption to their daily life.

The focus of the plan is the prevention of illegal gatherings at any site in Devon & Cornwall and in particular at Smeatharpe.

As a result of consultation with Smeatharpe residents, a dedicated telephone number has been set up to ensure speedy contact between residents and the police.