Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth large groups gathering fires lit

At one point on Monday evening it is claimed the fire brigade arrived to put out fires built on Gyllyngvase Beach and take the names and addresses of the people involved. However as soon as they were gone they were relit.

Pictures taken on Tuesday night show large groups of people on 'Gylly' Beach ignoring the Covid rules which only allow only six people to gathered together outdoors. It is claimed the gatherings are happening every night.

A large group on the beach on Tuesday night

An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said she had gone down to the beach to walk her dog with a friend on Tuesday evening but was so 'appalled' at what she saw, they decided to go home.

"There was a large number of people on the beach and there was a strong smell of dope" she told the Packet. "A nearby security guard we spoke to said it happens every night. He said on Sunday night the fire brigade came round and put out the fires and took peoples' names, but as soon as they were gone they relit them again.

"We counted five fires just from the Gylly Beach Cafe end up towards Swanpool. There was one group of about 16 people and there were two groups of eight and another group of ten. As we left there another group of six or seven approaching carrying booze.

People lighting fires on the beach on Tuesday night

"The other thing that was worrying me was that I have a dog walk early in the morning and there are children out there. There could be broken glass but they'll certainly be hot charcoal because they weren't barbecues they were actual fires with wood. Children running over them could burn themselves and dogs the same.

"We're not Killjoys but but it's gone beyond a joke now."

She said they contacted the police who said they were going to send someone down to have a look.

People lighting fires on the beach on Tuesday night

Falmouth Town Council recently announced that a partnership between Falmouth University and the town council would see Covid marshalls patrol the beaches up until May. It is also putting together evidence of anti-social behaviour on Gyllyngvase Beach is currently so that a protection order can be put in place.

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On Saturday March 20, Falmouth Police were notified of a large house party which was in breach of COVID restrictions. Officers attended, where following enquiries the occupier of the property was reported for the breach.

"We ask that everybody abides by the current COVID regulations, as we start to come out of lock down. Those who continue to breach COVID regulations can expect to be reported, if there is sufficient evidence to support the offence,"

Devon & Cornwall Police is asking the public to play its part and act responsibly as the region enters the next stage of the Government Roadmap to move England out of COVID-19 restrictions.

As new regulations came into effect on Monday, outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens, can take place between two households or groups of up to six people from different households. There should still be no mixing indoors with people outside of your household or support bubble.

From Monday, outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts and golf courses, and open-air swimming pools will be allowed to reopen. People can take part in formally organised outdoor sports. Outdoor parent and child groups can resume.

Falmouth Town Council, Cornwall Fire Service and Falmouth Police have been contacted for a comment.