A Marlovian has blasted the annual regatta in Marlow, saying the town “seems to descend into an uncomfortably accepting drinking town” with “dubious characters” taking up residence on "street corners" for the weekend.

The resident, who did not want to be named for fear of retribution, says he saw “tens of drunken youths” and “blatant ticket touts” over the two days of the Marlow Town Regatta and Festival (MTRF) as he made trips into the town.

He said: “For around the tenth year my family and I walked into the town at regatta weekend, for around the tenth time I was reminded why this was not a pleasant idea.

“For one weekend a year the town seems to descend into an uncomfortably accepting drinking town, crossing its fingers that everything will be okay.

“With everything from teens drinking in parks and streets, to dubious characters on street corners, to well-dressed adults who look like they ought know better – but still seem to spend the weekend stumbling around the streets.

“Over the course of a couple of trips into town I saw tens of drunken youths, blatant ticket touts exchanging cash for wrist bands – then running off – and the pinnacle was Sunday evening when I saw two 30-somethings, beer bottles in hand harassing and heckling a runner then, moments later, a lone woman getting into her car.”

He fears it will take “an attack, complaints or a spate of arrests” for the “format, attitudes and spirit of the regatta weekend” to be reviewed, adding: “The weekend does not feel under control, rather everyone breathes in and holds on, hoping the weekend goes without too much trouble.”

Thames Valley Police said the regatta “passed without serious incident”, with officers making one arrest – a 22-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug on the Saturday (June 16).

He was released under investigation.

One dispersal order was also issued at around 4.30pm on Saturday.

Regatta chairman Nav Ali said organisers “endeavour to leave nothing to chance”, working with the police, town and district councils on all aspects of the planning.

He said: “We spend 12 months planning an event on the scale and size of the Marlow Town Regatta & Festival – it is a not for profit event which has volunteer members of the Marlow community on the organising committee.

“The reality of life is that whatever we do, these things are going to happen.

“MTRF strives hard to strike the balance between letting our town-folk enjoy themselves in a responsible manner and over-policing.

“We always welcome feedback and, with regards to the observations made by the member of public and reported through this communication, both myself and Marlow Town Council would be keen to meet to discuss such issues, so that we may incorporate into future plans, and explain the safety planning process that takes place.

“I would therefore encourage them to get in touch to do just that.

“Thankfully, these types of issues remain in the minority, as I have received numerous emails congratulating the organisers for a very enjoyable and great weekend, noticeably more so than in previous years, so we continue to head in the right direction.”