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Swimmers causing mayhem as they cool off at blue lake quarry in Halling

People living in Halling are fed up with people turning up at a quarry lake to swim during the hot weather.

In recent days hundreds have visited the blue lake and have been parking their vehicles in the village’s narrow lanes, causing problems for residents.

Swimmers have also been leaving rubbish behind and some villagers claim there have been incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The blue lake in Halling
The blue lake in Halling

Owners Redrow Homes has stepped up security but some locals claim the two security guards on patrol are not enough to deal with the numbers arriving.

Sue Delo said on Monday: “Today we have peaked at hundreds of kids and young adults. This is having a massive impact on the village.

“There are cars parked on the kerb all the way up Vicarage Road and pedestrians having to walk in the road.

“There is also rubbish everywhere, empty drugs packets, inflatables of all kinds of things abandoned.”

It is understood police have been patrolling the area after complaints of anti-social behaviour and cars parked illegally.

Villager Claire Reynolds posted a picture online of a line of cars parked near the site on Monday.

She said she counted about 40 cars parked along one country lane but that she had seen officers on patrol.

A crowd of people on their way to the blue lake at Halling
A crowd of people on their way to the blue lake at Halling

Ms Delo added: “There is a real risk of someone getting seriously hurt, either going into the lake where there is no help if they get into trouble, or from parking on the blind bend in the road.”

More than a dozen Britons lose their lives each year swimming in quarries and other open water spots in the UK during summer.

Redrow managing director Chris Lilley said they are working to address the issue.

He added: “We strongly advise against swimming in the lake which, as a former quarry, has steep sides and the water can become deep and cold very quickly.

“Extensive damage has been deliberately caused to fencing to gain access.

“We’re repairing the fence as a matter of urgency, plus reviewing the fencing around the entire perimeter.

Cars parked in Halling, picture Claire Reynolds.
Cars parked in Halling, picture Claire Reynolds.

“We’re also increasing security on site and installing signs warning people of the potential dangers of swimming in deep water on private land.”

A spokesman for police added: "We are aware of reports of people trespassing on private property and swimming in a quarry in the Halling area.

"Officers are working with the landowner in the interests of public safety and to prevent antisocial behaviour."

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