HALLOWEEN is notoriously a loud and busy time of year.

From kids’ parties to treat-or-treaters – most people expect some form of noise close to their homes on October 31.

But 1,000 people gathering on a Severn Beach field for an illegal rave is surely an unexpected – and unwelcome – addition.

Residents were understandably frustrated by the illegal event, and seemingly more so of police officers' reactions.

Is it fair to criticise their response? They were alerted in the early hours of the noise and disruption but could not safely deal with the incident until 11am.

It may seem negligent that the rave was left to go on for several hours despite numerous complaints, but instead, it was simply what officers have to do in these circumstances.

Surely it is fair that the police have to question whether it is safe to take action when an incident of this nature and size is occurring?

They did attend the site – albeit late in the morning – and took action by seizing cars and summoning five people to court.

Their response was not a failure of their power or commitment, but simply the necessity of ensuring officers and residents are safely dealing with incidents at the right time.