Private security firms could police bonfire event
Private security firms will be brought in to man a village bonfire if the police decide to further reduce the number of officers attending, organisers said today.
Staffordshire Police were criticised by an MP after the force decided to cut the number of officers attending this year's Great Wyrley bonfire event. Eight officers will attend the event on the Star Land on November 5. But Kath Perry, leader of Great Wyrley Parish Council, which organises the event, vowed the bonfire would not be cancelled if police numbers continued to drop.
She said the council would instead have to bring in private security. She also said she feels the number of officers policing the event this year is 'more than enough' with the stewards they have in place.
"It's more to do with crossing the road because the A34 is very busy and we've got a number of stewards to help with that," said Councillor Perry.
"We've looked into what we would do if there weren't enough officers for the event in the past and if it did happen we'd be looking at bringing in a private company.
"The annual bonfire is a fantastic community event and we would hate to jeopardise that. I think the number of officers that are going to be there is fine. We also don't want to put people off by there being too many police." The annual bonfire, which last year attracted almost 4,000 visitors, also helps to raise funds for the Great Wyrley Carnival in the summer.
In the past, Staffordshire Police have provided traffic control, marshalling and security for the event.
Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has warned that organisers could soon be forced to employ outside security at a cost of around £20 an hour – significantly affecting any profits. He said he felt it could put the future of both events in 'serious jeopardy'.
He said 12 officers had staffed the event last year.
Inspector Geoff Knight, commander of South Staffordshire Police, says he feels the number of officers assigned to the event now is 'appropriate and balanced'.
"There will be no further resources deployed to this event and there will be no reversal of this decision," said Insp Knight.
"Clearly we're happy to help police any event like this – but I have to balance policing across 157sq metres of South Staffordshire. The organisers of the bonfire have a clear responsibility for the safety of those who attend. It is important that they provide security as necessary.
"We would divert officers if anything were to happen and even have officers up the road in Cannock who could possibly help us."
