Restrictions on Halloween on hill

Hundreds of people head for Pendle Hill on 31 October

A Lancashire beauty spot, known for its association with witchcraft, is out of bounds for motorists at Halloween.

Ribble Valley Council is clamping down on those who head for Pendle Hill, after an increase in numbers annually.

Vehicles will have to be parked in Sabden and the hill will be closed to fairground rides, mobile catering units from 1700 GMT to 0300 GMT Saturday.

The area's associations to witchcraft date back to the 17th Century when the Pendle Witch Trials were held in 1612.

The new restrictions have been implemented following increasing concerns about the growth of the gathering on 31 October.

Problems have included heavy traffic, public order offences and the use of fireworks.

No official event

Chris Shuttleworth, chairman of the Event Safety Advisory Group, said: "Pendle Hill now attracts thousands of visitors in the mistaken belief that an official event is taking place.

"Over the past two years, the event has become progressively worse in its atmosphere and behaviour.

"The new measures have been brought into place for reasons of health and safety, welfare, law and order, and we are asking for the co-operation of the general public."

Motorists heading for Pendle Hill via the A59 will not be allowed to stop until they reach Sabden, where they will be allowed to park and walk up the hill.

Pendle Hill will be closed to all traffic travelling from Sabden and access to the Wellsprings Inn at the Nick o' Pendle will be by ticket only.