LOCALS have slammed an ‘irresponsible’ large gathering of people who played loud music and huddled together on a Dorset beach on New Year’s Eve.

A large group of approximately 30 people, described as being teenagers and people in their early twenties, were spotted on Eype beach near Bridport on Thursday, December 31.

One witness observed that they were playing loud music on the beach, as well as being ‘grouped close together’ as they saw in the New Year.

Photos taken at the scene show groups of people gathered around two separate camp fires, while more revellers stood around what appears to be a music sound system.

Dorset Council area was placed in Tier 3 restrictions on the same day, as the Government aimed to counteract a ‘rapid increase’ of cases in the area.

Dorset Echo:

Within Tier 3, Government guidance states people can see friends and family you do not live with or do not have a support bubble with in some outdoor public places, such as a beach, in a group of up to 6.

A man, who did not wish to be named, was left stunned by a ‘complete disregard’ to coronavirus measures by the revellers, claiming they were ‘close together’ around camp fires.

He said: “I could see about 30 or so people in their late teens to early twenties having a New Years Eve party on the beach beneath the cliff top hut at Eype at 11:30pm.

“They were playing loud music and grouped close together around fires with a complete disregard to the rules on gatherings and social distancing.

“It is frustrating to see this irresponsible behaviour by people when thousands of people are being infected with the coronavirus daily.”

One local councillor, Kelvin Clayton, condemned the beach party and urged people to follow the rules whether or not they agree with them.

Dorset Echo: The scenic Eype beach near Bridport The scenic Eype beach near Bridport

“I really urge people to follow the rules”, he said.

“I can understand why people want to go out to party but it shows not enough respect for other people.

“Hopefully it is only for another two to three months that we live under these measures. But during this time, people need to just follow the rules and respect peoples’ safety.”

Residents on Facebook community groups were shocked by the event on Eype beach – with one person claiming she ‘heard a group of noisy people’ walking past her home at approximately 1.45am.

One resident in the area however stated that no mess appeared to be left behind on Eype Beach and believed attendees had placed boxes and bags of bottles and cans near bins at a local car park.

Owners of holiday parks and homes in the area were unaware that such an event took place – but were left stunned by the photographs and details of the gathering.

An owner of holiday chalet in the area said she was aware that Eype beach was a popular tourist spot in the Summer but isn’t often visited at night in the Winter.

She added: “I have never seen or heard of that area being used for parties like that.”

Dorset Police has been contacted for a comment.

Did you see the party? Did you attend the party? What are your thoughts on this? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk.