COMMUNITY leaders have spoken out against illegal raves in the Lake District after Cumbrian beauty spots were left trashed.

This comes after residents in the south Lakes areas have experienced a torrent of littering and reports of places such as Cathedral Cave playing host to raves.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “It is vital we respect the beautiful environment that we enjoy in the Lake District, and also the people who actually live here.

“Fundamentally, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic that continues to take the lives of people around the globe and here in Cumbria.

“As we move forward, tentatively, we’ve got to increase our responsibility and social behaviour as that’s the way to save lives.

“Although there is some confusion over some messaging around lockdown, some things are obviously wrong, and attending raves is one of them.”

Coniston councillor Ian Wharton has been working alongside police and park authorities on this issue.

He said: “From what I have seen campsites have been erected in areas and then completely abandoned them.They trash the area. Come here and enjoy the area, but don’t do damage.

“They are not bothered, or haven’t considered the consequences of their actions. There have even been incidents where drugs are involved as I have seen those gas canisters lying around.”

A spokeswoman from the Lake District National Park Authority said: “When visiting the national park please plan ahead to avoid the busy spots using saferlakes.co.uk, take all your litter away with you, stick to social distancing and always show the respect to the Lake District that it deserves.”