The clean-up is now under way

A clean-up operation has begun in the Savernake Forest after an illegal rave over the bank holiday weekend.

The Forestry Commission has called in litter and fencing contractors to tidy up and mend broken barriers.

Landowner Lord Cardigan tried to get the revellers to leave by leafleting them, but despite his efforts, the party went on throughout the weekend.

Residents living near the Wiltshire beauty spot said they were disturbed by the noise.

'Strategy'

One told the BBC: "The windows were constantly vibrating.

"I have a two-year-old son who didn't get much sleep and I was up for about 40 hours."

Jeremy Gissop of the Forestry Commission, added: "The fence on our grazing experiment was cut and could have had disastrous consequences, with cattle getting out onto the A4 at night."

"We plan to get together local parish councils, residents and police to see what our strategy would be if there was a re-run of this event."

About 800 revellers gathered in the privately-owned forest on Saturday.