HAMPSHIRE Police are warning revellers of their zero tolerance on drugs at this week's BoomTown Fair following the deaths of two women in recent years.

They have been working with the festival organisers and partner agencies ensuring this year goes "as smoothly and safely" as possible, maintaining what they've called "a robust position" on both drugs and legal highs.

Last year Lisa Williamson, from Hereford, was found hanged in a toilet before being rushed to Royal Hampshire County Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. As previously reported, the 31-year-old mum was at the event with her husband, Darren, when she took toxic levels of amphetamines before she was found just before 2pm on the Saturday.

In 2013, 18-year-old Ellie Rowe died on the Friday evening after taking the class C drug ketamine - more commonly used as a horse tranquiliser.

Extra measures have been taken to allow for the extra 10,000 people expected, after BoomTown's application for a larger premises license was granted last year.

Nearly 50,000 people are expected to flock to Winchester on Thursday, making it one of the most popular festivals in the south of England.

Supt James Fulton, police commander for BoomTown Fair, said: "Boomtown is a popular event and has increased the number of people that it attracts to Hampshire over recent years. Working with organisers and partner agencies our priority is to keep the event running as smoothly and safely as possible for festival goers. We have been faced with some challenges over the years, but I'm confident that BoomTown is committed to running a safe and secure event that everyone can enjoy.

“We will be maintaining a robust position on both drugs and legal highs, or new psychoactive substances, all of which are banned from site. If you are found with drugs you will at the very least be ejected from site and barred from returning, and there is a very good chance you will be arrested and prosecuted. Even just dabbling in illegal drugs and psychoactive substances can have catastrophic or fatal consequences - you might believe you'll be fine, but how do you know? The only way to be certain is not to take any at all.”

Following on from the success of last year's diversion routes, coaches and campervans will once again be directed from the M3 via Twyford and along Morestead Road and Longwood Road on Thursday from 10am-6pm. They will use the same route on the return leg on Monday, from 8am-4pm. The crossroads in the centre of Twyford will be managed from 8am-8pm, Thursday and Monday.

All other vehicles coming from the M3 will be encouraged to join the A31 at Junction 9 - the Spitfire Link - at Alresford, from 10am-6pm and returning the same way on Monday from 9am-5pm.

Festival signs will be put up for those travelling to the A272 from the A31 via Rodfield Lane, again on Thursday, from 10am-6pm, and Monday from 9am-5pm.

Some vehicles will also be directed from the A43 via Junction 9 from the Midlands and the A32/A272 route from London.

Supt Fulton added: “We have worked alongside Winchester City Council, Hampshire Highways and BoomTown's traffic management organisers to minimise traffic congestion on the roads surrounding the site, although as with any event, traffic on those routes will be heavy especially on the Thursday as people arrive, and Monday as people exit.”

Festival organisers have also been forced to take drastic action to combat noise complaints in recent years.

In 2014 the fair was investigated by Winchester City Council over alleged license breaches of noise conditions, including excessive noise and music being played after the 4am curfew, forcing organisers to invest in specialist equipment to measure the sound at the worst points for noise around the Bowl.

A spokesman for Winchester City Council said: "As in previous years, the council will actively monitor compliance with the licence conditions. Any breaches will be investigated and action taken if appropriate. The Council wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable event."