Beauty spot closed due to 'rogue fishing gangs'

The closure at Berry Head Quarry in Brixham came into force in the early hours of 8 June

Torbay council has installed gates and metal fencing at a local beauty spot to protect it from anti-social behaviour.

The closure across the road leading to the quarry from Berry Head came into force in the early hours of 8 June.

Locals said they have been intimidated by "rogue fishing gangs", who had left litter strewn across the rocks, along with fish guts and human excrement.

The council said the closure was "temporary" and "required to improve the management of the area".

Gangs have been landing "industrial" quantities of mackerel and other fish at the site before selling them, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

It added: "On one recent weekend there was reportedly a fight in the quarry between members of an established gang and a group of newcomers.

"There have also been reports of rocks being thrown at seals to keep them away."

A pioneering system of ropes and buoys have also been devised independently and used to disrupt fishing from the quarry.

Berry Head is part of Torbay’s UNESCO-recognised geopark and home to greater horseshoe bats.

The gangs have been disrupting the delicate habitat by putting up powerful lights, the LDRS said.

'Local concerns'

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of local concerns relating to recent anti-social behaviour in this location and the associated environmental damage it is causing.

“The temporary closure is required to allow us to work with [waste management service] SWISCo, the police and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust to improve management of the area.

"Our aim is to protect the environmental quality of Berry Head and ensure it is a safe and welcoming place for local people and visitors alike.”

The council said the closure would only affect the quarry area and access to parking, meaning the visitor centre and walks would be unaffected.