Police put in dispersal order ahead of big Halesowen Town match on Bank Holiday Monday
The dispersal order will be in place across Bank Holiday Monday to protect fans and the wider community from any trouble.
A dispersal order is set to be put in place around a massive football match on Bank Holiday Monday.
West Mercia Police said it was advising members of the public it was planning to put the dispersal order in place for Redditch United’s football match against Halesowen Town.
The force said it was working with both clubs, partner agencies and colleagues at West Midlands Police and British Transport Police to counteract any potential anti-social behaviour or disorder on Monday.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “While we recognise most football supporters are well behaved and are looking forward to the derby day for the right reasons, we also want to protect them and the wider community from those who may seek to cause trouble.
“Therefore, members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence near The Valley Stadium and train station on Bromsgrove Road, as well as around Redditch town centre before, during and after the match which starts at 3pm.
“Plans are in place to keep people safe and make sure everyone can enjoy the football match peacefully, including plans for a Section 35 dispersal order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014..
“The order, that would be in place from 11am until 7pm, gives officers the power to exclude members of the public who cause anti-social behaviour or disorder or where there is a reasonable belief that they may cause such behaviour.”
Superintendent Helen Wain said: “We are expecting a large crowd at Monday’s game with potentially more than 1,000 supporters attending.
“We recognise the vast majority of fans are there to enjoy the derby game but also want to protect everybody from a minority who could potentially cause trouble.
“If you notice more officers around the town centre on Monday, this should not alarm you. They are there to help and to prevent any anti-social behaviour or disorder and the planned dispersal order is in place to support these ends.
“Please approach the officers if you need to and they will happily assist in any way they can.”