14 February 2013
Luton v Millwall Policing Operation
Plans are being finalised for the Luton v
Millwall FA Cup 5th round cup tie on Saturday.
A large and very visible police presence will
be in the area to help the club with the smooth running of the
fixture.
Local residents should expect to see police
officers in the town centre for the whole day; with officers
predominantly around Kenilworth Road, Bury Park and High Town
Road/Midland Road.
It’s not planned to close roads, but obviously
those living around the area will be familiar with the pre-and post
match congestion that can happen when officers escort away coaches
and fans from the stadium.
The policing operation has a wide remit, and
will include colleagues from Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire
Constabularies who will be looking after matters south of Luton,
along with Thames Valley Police who are assisting with dog section
and mounted officers integrated within the operation.
British Transport Police will be operating
along the whole of the railway line between Luton and London, with
officers on trains and at railway stations.
Two licensed premises will be welcoming away
fans from 10am until the kick off at 12.45, these are Déjà Vu
Bar on High Town Road and nearby Charlie Brown’s club (corner of
Dudley Street and Midland Road). Both are only yards from Luton
central railway station.
Other town centre pubs will open as normal,
but will serve home fans only.
The tie is a sell-out, with Millwall bringing
1500 fans to Kenilworth Road. The policing operation for the
day is being overseen by Chief Supt Mike Colbourne, who warns those
who have not got tickets should not to travel to the game.
“Obviously there is a huge amount of interest
in the game for current and historical reasons. It’s a fantastic
achievement for Luton in particular, to get this far in the cup and
we don’t want that to be overshadowed by events off the
field.
We want everyone to have a great time, so we
recommend getting to the ground early as there will be a bigger
crowd than usual and potential for congestion and queues.
Please don’t travel to Luton if you haven’t been lucky enough to
get a ticket for the game as you will be unable to get into the
ground, and unless you are a home fan you will be unable to see it
in the pub either.”
