Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Brentwood In The FA Trophy At Edgar Street On Saturday 16th November At 3.00pm

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Turner highlights Police Presence

In his weekly column for the Hereford Times, Hereford United manager Graham Turner has highlighted the potential for increased police costs in and around Edgar Street should West Mercia Police get their way.

"They have made it clear to us that we will be expected to pay for the presence of police on, say, the Merton Meadow car park, owned by the local authority who obviously make money from it, and the A49, which is the responsibilty of the Highways Agency.

"The charges made will vary in accordance with the risk assessment of each match. Swindon would be one of three high-risk League fixtures where the charge would be substantial."

Turner then details the potential costs involved and suggests that if West Mercia have their way the club would only be left with around £5,000 from the Swindon fixture.

Recently there has been a court case involving Wigan Football Club and the Greater Manchester Police who sued the club for recovery of police costs outside their ground but on land controlled by the club and Turner says he has studied the case in great detail.

"We have contacted the Football League. They are of the opinion that we are the only club at present being asked to pay the 'vicinity charges'."

Turner is worried that the issue could land up in court which if so would be very expensive.

His column is well worth a read.