“Tight security” promised for Creamfields festival

POLICE are promising “positive action” against law-breakers or others causing a nuisance at this year’s Creamfields festival, near Warrington.
Nearly 70,000 music fans are expected to descend on Daresbury for the 10th festival to be held in the village – 30,000 on Friday, August 28 and a further 40,000 the following day.
Cheshire Police say they have been working hard to ensure this year will be a safe and secure one – not only for those working at and attending the event, but also for the surrounding communities.
Superintendent Bev Raistrick said: “Cheshire Police works closely with the organisers of the event, local authorities, parish councils and other agencies as part of the planning process to ensure that the event runs safely and smoothly.
“As part of the planning process we continue to liaise with other police forces, who have similar experience of policing large scale events such as this, and with organisers of other large scale music festivals.”
The policing operation will begin at 7am on the Friday and will run until around 2pm on Monday August 31..
Throughout the course of the weekend officers have been assigned a variety of roles. Within the site officers will be dealing with any incidents of crime and disorder, regularly patrolling the campsite to provide reassurance to campers and to deter thieves and support security staff.
Externally, officers will be involved with traffic management and policing in the area around the site.
Officers from Warrington and Runcorn will be working throughout the weekend to deal with any issues that might arise to minimise any disruption to local residents and to reassure members of the public.
Superintendent Raistrick added: “We work closely alongside the local community to minimise any disruption to local residents and to provide reassurance and advice before, during and after the event – addressing any issues or concerns they might have.
“Positive action will be taken against anyone who is found to be breaking the law or causing a nuisance.”
A police contact point will be set up on the site and festival goers are urged to report any incidents over the weekend to officers at the contact point. This will be clearly signposted within the event arena.
Inspector Stewart Sheer, who is involved in planning the policing of the event, said: “Festival goers are reminded that security will be tight at the event. Security measures will be in place and it is important that those attending are aware of these.
“Drug use will not be tolerated and positive action will be taken by police. Searches are a condition of entry and drugs dogs will be used at the entrances to the site.
“Bins will be provided at the entrances for festival goers to place any drugs or weapons into. Anyone found with drugs or weapons, having not placed them into the bins, will be dealt with by police.
“I would advise anyone considering bringing any such items to not bring them in the first place.”