Festival policing 'over-the-top'

Gerry Tobin was shot on the M40 on 12 August

Organisers of the four-day Bulldog Bash biker festival in Warwickshire have described the £1.4m police operation as "over-the-top and unjustified".

The festival claimed it was not consulted over the operation for this year's event at Long Marston airfield.

Police said the extra road closures and stop and searches were necessary after the fatal shooting of Gerry Tobin on the M40 after he left the 2007 event.

Seven men deny his murder and are due to stand trial on 2 October.

Mr Tobin, 35, of Mottingham, south-east London, was shot after leaving the festival near Stratford-upon-Avon on 12 August.

Warwickshire Police had urged councillors not to grant a licence to this year's event.

'Professional judgment'

The force believed the four-day festival, which starts on Thursday, could compromise public safety.

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Holland said the police operation would cover all routes into the area and would therefore cost more than the £100,000 spent last year.

"The policing operation is designed primarily to deter people who may be intending to disrupt the event or to attack people going to and from the event," he said.

"With something like this we are dealing with criminal intelligence.

"We also have to use professional judgment and my judgment was that we needed to run this operation to ensure people are safe."

ACC Holland said the force had consulted with the festival organisers "when appropriate" and had made clear during the public licensing hearing that a "significant policing operation" would be put in place if the licence was granted.

'Public amazed'

Festival organiser John Britt, known as Bilbo, said it was one of the safest shows in Europe and claimed the police operation was "a hassle for the local people".

"I think it's a gross waste of local people's money," he said.

"The general public in the district are amazed about the work the police are putting into this."

He said he had not been consulted on the police's extra security measures surrounding the site.

Five roads were originally scheduled for closure between 0700 BST and 2000 BST from 7 August to 10 August.

But police are now planning to shut only four following discussions with residents.

They include part of Preston Fields Lane in Clifford Chambers, Station Road in Long Marston, Back Lane in Lower Quinton and Tailors Lane in Upper Quinton.

Councillor Brian Slaughter, from Stratford District Council, said: "I am disappointed that the police have taken this action.

"The local people are amazed at the expense the police are going to."

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Local residents have spoken about the security plans