POLICE are clamping down on revellers holding illegal raves in the Trent Park woodland.

The gatherings started around two months ago and have been taking place every fortnight on Saturdays and Sundays.

Witnesses claim around 300 people descend on the park for each event and spread out throughout the woods, making it difficult to track them down.

Until last week, police had been unable to stop the raves as the dates had been kept secret - but a tip-off allowed them to raid and stop one last Saturday.

Enfield Council's legal team and Enfield police officers are currently deciding what further action to take.

Powers at their disposal include injunctions, trespass laws and the country park by-laws.

The authorities said they have "no idea" who is organising the parties.

Hayley Radford, 32, artistic director at Wild Wood Events, voiced concerns the raves would prevent other events taking place in the park.

The theatre group, based in Clay Hill, is putting on A Midsummer's Night Dream from July 7 to 22 in the woodland.

Ms Radford said: "We were walking through the park on a couple of Sundays to look at the route we are going to take, because it will be a promenade performance, and we could hear music from one end to the other.

"We once walked past around 150 people in the woods, who said they had been there since Saturday evening.

"It is a major concern for us. They didn't seem too threatening, but it's very difficult to do a performance if there is loud music going on. It's off-putting for people.

"If they are allowed to get away with it they will think, great, and keep coming back."

A witness, who did not want to be named, added: "The raves take place in the trees at Trent Park.

"The people are very spread out, but when one is in full swing, you cannot miss them."