A COUNCIL gained an injunction yesterday to prevent a huge unauthorised rave party on a town’s beaches.

It was feared up to 2,000 young people were planning to gather tonight at South Shields beaches after registering on a social networking site.

However South Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police obtained an injunction from a judge at Newcastle Crown Court blocking the event on the grounds of public safety.

Tracey Dixon, council lead member for leisure and community safety said: “Our beaches and seafront are a great asset, and we want them to be places that people of all ages can relax and enjoy as safely as possible. South Tyneside Council is determined to maintain a family friendly atmosphere along our seafront and we will not tolerate disorder of any kind.

“Because of our firm stance we went to court to obtain this injunction as we had very real concerns that this illegal, large-scale event was not properly organised. It could have put at risk the safety of those attending and caused extreme nuisance and disturbance to residents and visitors alike.”

Inspector Peter Sutton of South Tyneside Area Command said: “Northumbria Police fully support South Tyneside Council’s actions in seeking an injunction to stop this event taking place.

“Our priority is public safety, and we believe such an event would cause problems for the wider community and could result in disorder.

“Officers regularly patrol the beach area and will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks. They will use all necessary powers should anyone attempt to breach this injunction. We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy coming to the beach without being concerned about anti-social behaviour or underage drinking.”

The injunction forbids the organisation of a beach party at Sandhaven Beach or any other beaches owned and controlled by the council without proper approval. It also forbids the organiser to erect any stage, lighting, platform or any equipment for the playing of music.