SHOCK and anger have been raised over people leaving rubbish including bottle, barbecue debris and even vomit at local beauty spots.

Last Saturday it was reported that there appeared to have been a party at Skelton Tower on Levisham Moor.

Hedy Gibbs, clerk for Levisham Parish Meeting, said: "There was rubbish including barbecue debris, beer bottles, crisp packets and vomit around the Tower and a trail of debris leading from the Tower back to the hairpin bend on the road to the station - a good half mile.

"It seems at about 6pm, four cars were seen at the bend but it was assumed they belonged to walkers. Another resident saw three cars speeding away from the village early on Sunday morning.

"Residents in the area are appalled by this inconsiderate behaviour and a complete disregard for the surroundings. One resident who lives in the forest made a valiant effort to pick up the rubbish, for this we are grateful.

"I have also been told that there must have been a similar event exactly a week ago just off the forest drive past Levisham Station.

"The rubbish here was collected up by some unknown person / persons. Again, thank you to whoever you are. I have since been told there are bags of rubbish strewn in the woods above the station towards Newton on Rawcliffe.

"This sort of gathering at the weekend under Covid restrictions is illegal. The police and the National Park have been informed It is the scale of the rubbish left behind by these selfish inconsiderate people that leaves us all shocked and angry."

Over the Easter weekend reports were also made of camping in near Beck Hole with tents, duvets and rubbish left at the site.

Michael Graham, Director of Park Services for the North York Moors National Park, said: "As landowner of the Levisham Estate the National Park Authority deplores behaviour of this kind and the effect it has on local people, the environment, our reputation and staff. I am extremely grateful to the locals who reported the issue and who have helped to clear up the rubbish left.

"Senior Area Ranger David Smith will be ensuring the remaining litter is removed and will be keeping an closer eye on the location in the coming weeks, though our resources to do this are limited.

He added: "Littering seems to be a national problem that we are working hard to tackle and this will be highlighted in a national campaign following the launch of a revised Coutryside Code which has just been published. We have staff and volunteers out daily in the National Park who are picking up litter on an all too regular basis in many locations.

"If any further incidents should occur, I would encourage residents to report this to the Police on 101 and ourselves as soon as possible on 01439 772700."