Turner talks about Police Costs

Last Thursday Graham Turner gave BBC Hereford and Worcester an update on the dispute with West Mercia Police about their efforts to charge Hereford United for policing both in and around the Edgar Street ground.

"We are the only club in the country as far as I'm aware being asked to pay for 'vicinity charges'," said Turner.

"If they are on our property, I can understand them seeking recompense for their time.

"But it's the Meadow Car Park, the Cattle Market, the A49. In principle we are totally against paying for those sorts of areas."

Turner suggested if the charges went through it would be the supporters who might pay extra through the turnstiles.

"The only way to keep the club going would be to charge a bit more. So in the end supporters pay twice, through taxes and rates and through admission charges.

"It is the vicinity charges that we are against in principle. And in conversations with our legal team I'm confident we have a good case.

"But it could be fraught with difficulty, it could finish up in the High Court. I would like to think not."

Turner has spoken to West Mercia Police. Both are well aware of the Wigan Court case but Turner thinks there is a real difference as the case was to do with policing on Wigan property only.

"On the principle we don't agree with the situation at all we can't negoiate with them.

"I think it has great significence for every club in the country. If we start getting charged for 'vicinity policing' where does it end.

"If the police win the case or we agree to payment then it could spread throughout the country.

"I would like to think the Football League would support us.

"We will fight it all the way."

---