Cops hit back in air show bill row (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Cops hit back in air show bill row

8:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in Local

ESSEX Police have hit back at a councillor's claims that it has demanded £23,000 to police this year’s air show in Clacton.

Tendring Council leisure boss Stephen Mayzes claimed the cost was higher than the £16,000 price-tag for hiring the show’s main attraction – the Red Arrows.

But Supt Glenn Maleary, the force’s Eastern division deputy commander, said no bill had been handed to the authority.

He said the figure was given to council officials after they asked to see the possible costs of the show.

It would be the first time the council has been charged for policing the event.

Mr Maleary said: “Every year since the air show began we have worked very closely and successfully with the council to help deliver a safe show.

“The police provided an indication as to what the cost will be if the full private hire rates of policing were applied.

“We have never submitted a bill and we are yet to enter into planning stages with the council, at which point we will discuss whether costs will be applied.”

“We provided half the number of officers that we ordinarily provide last year, but we ensure we deliver sufficient staff as a contingency in the event of a disaster.

“The majority of our policing duties is keeping people safe and returning lost children to their loved ones – we are there just in case something goes wrong."