READERS have reacted after police were called out to a large gathering in the quarry off Ormsgill Lane.

Neighbours reported witnessed a party ‘upwards of 50 people’ taking place in the quarry on Saturday evening.

Although the event broke Covid-19 restrictions, one reader has sympathised with the group.

They said: “Illegal party? I think [it is] more a group of teens sat chilling out of the way from housing and people? Sorry but [what] harm are they really doing? If they stand around they get moved on!

“If they clean up after themselves and aren’t causing any harm I don’t see the issue at all, and I’m sure they won’t be the first or the last... maybe they’re making some memories seeing as though a year of their teens has been locked up in the house.

“They will all be getting jobs and working soon, so sitting up there out of the way, I really don’t see what the problem is. Maybe they’re all feeling a little down and it’s a bit of freedom for them seen as though they haven’t had a good year!”

But another reader posted: “Doesn’t make a difference, the rules are still the same. Just because you are young, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can show disdain for the rules, the government regulations and laws!”

Another reader said they were disappointed with the waste left at the quarry.

They claimed: “They did not clean up after themselves, it was left in a disgusting mess. They had even lit a fire.”

“This site has been used as a dog toilet for years – I have stopped going up there now,” One reader said.

Bill McEwan, a Barrow borough councillor who represents Ormsgill, described the incident as ‘absolutely disgusting’.

He said: “Unfortunately the quarry has become a bit of a hotspot for clowns messing about in the area and not respecting it.

“We don’t know how to stop this kind of behaviour – I heard they were leaving rubbish all over the place.”