VILLAGERS plunged back into "lockdown" after 150 caravans arrived for a five-day festival claim yobs are urinating in the street and spitting at shop windows.
Pubs and shops in Cheddar, Somerset have been forced to close for the week after they were reportedly abused by revellers.
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Residents of Cheddar claim they've effectively been forced back into lockdown after 150 caravans arrived for a Christian festival Credit: SWNS
Crowds in caravans, campervans, trailers and motorhomes descended on the picturesque village, which has a population of less than 6,000, for a Christian festival on Monday.
But locals in the village - which invented cheddar cheese - now claim the revellers urinated in the street, spat at shop windows and smashed glass bottles.
One visitor said: "They have spoiled our visit - no pub lunch or nice evening meals for us as we were concerned that they would accost us again.
"As locals, you must be appalled by whoever allowed this gathering to take place."
And she alleged: "I saw elderly citizens approached by these louts and one lady almost pushed from her bicycle."
And locals say there will be "very few who are not shocked and saddened by what has occurred in Cheddar".
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One said: "It’s a prize mess, that’s for certain.
"Let’s hope it calms down.
"This morning, I was just upset that such a big disorganised event was causing chaos in the village. It’s got way out of hand since then."
Somerset Live reports that some of those who came for the festival have been seen spitting at shop windows - while the police and parish council say they have received claims of anti-social behaviour.
Many places in the area have closed their doors to customers, and residents say they're effectively "under lockdown" again.
'WE'RE BACK IN LOCKDOWN'
The local football club has also postponed a home match because of "a situation in the village".
A resident said: "To drive through Cheddar this afternoon was like a full lockdown again - I can’t think these businesses wouldn’t shut if it wasn’t serious."
Just after 2pm on Monday, the Riverside Inn and Restaurant told punters on its Facebook page that it was closing for the day "with immediate effect" due to "unforeseen circumstances."
Mobile street food business, Rachel's Grill, also announced their closure "due to the recent event happening in Cheddar this week."
The event is taking place on private land, and councillors say they weren't aware it was planned.
FESTIVAL IS A 'PRIZE MESS'
Christina Brown said: "Usually I get to hear about large gatherings via parish council meetings but this one's come as a surprise."
Ashley Hann, who owns the field, told Bristol Live the chaos is "nothing to do with me."
"They didn’t tell me what it was all for, so I have no idea.
"What they do off the site is nothing to do with me," he said.
“The police have come out and they’ve told me I’ve done nothing wrong, and that they are just going to be monitoring the situation now."
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The visitors are parked up on a private site - and locals say they had no idea of the festival in advance Credit: SWNS 4
Cafes and pubs across the village have shut their doors amid reports of trouble Credit: SWNS 4
And tourists say they had trips 'ruined' by the event Credit: SWNS
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