People began arriving on Saturday

The leader of Herefordshire Council has warned there is little the authority can do to prevent illegal raves such as the one which took place at a farm near Leominster over the bank holiday weekend.

Police spent a fourth night patrolling the area at Stretford Court and it is hoped the last of the 3,000 revellers will have left by Wednesday night.

So far, 20 people have been arrested in connection with the unauthorised music festival which started on Saturday afternoon.

Local residents in the nearby hamlets of Upper Ivington and Hyde Ash complained of excessive noise and traffic problems in the area.

'Police support'

The leader of Herefordshire Council, Roger Phillips says organisers need to arrange for a licence to hold such events.

"The would have to come before the council and get the support of the fire brigade and the police.

"We would need to check with local residents and ensure health and safety issues were properly addressed. When you have outdoor events certain standards have to be maintained."

A group of officers from West Mercia Police were abused and pelted with bottles and glasses by adults and some children when they entered the site on Sunday morning.

One person has been taken to hospital suffering the effects of drink or drugs.

Police had been operating a "turn-back" policy to prevent more people arriving at the site.

Penny Matthews, who lives a mile from the site in Upper Ivington, said she felt as though she was "under siege" in her home.

She told BBC News Online: "We didn't even try to get out of our house.

"People were coming down our lanes, which are only 14 feet wide, and parking there on my neighbours' driveways."