MORE than 100 officers are on standby for a derby match between Ipswich Town and Colchester United next week.Police have today appealed to fans to act responsibly after it emerged that Colchester have taken their full allocation of tickets for the match and 2,200 away supporters are expected to pour into the town for the friendly at Portman Road.
MORE than 100 officers are on standby for a derby match between Ipswich Town and Colchester United next week.
Police have today appealed to fans to act responsibly after it emerged that Colchester have taken their full allocation of tickets for the match and 2,200 away supporters are expected to pour into the town for the friendly at Portman Road. Temporary Chief Superintendent Tim Beach, who will oversee policing on for the game next Tuesday said: “This will be an exciting game for Ipswich and Colchester fans and the first of our local derby games this season.
“We want to emphasise that this is a friendly derby. However we will continue our use of firm but fair policing to ensure the safety of those attending the game and those members of the public wishing to go about their normal business.”
Police warned that the tactics may result in 'minor delays' as they control movement of traffic and people in the vicinity of the ground.
And members of the public are asked to avoid the town around the time of the game, which kicks off at 7.45pm if they are not attending the game.
Advice being issued to those travelling into Ipswich is to car share when possible, or use public transport such as the park and ride, if it is convenient, to help keep down congestion.
Additional trains are being put on to accommodate away supporters.
Those driving are asked to make use of the Civic Drive, Charles Street, South Street and Waterfront/ Duke Street car parks to alleviate congestion closer to Portman Road.
The game is ticket-only with no cash turnstiles on the evening, and only Blues fans on the club customer database will be able to buy tickets through the normal priority system.
Police also asked away fans to remember they will be liable for eviction if they enter the 'home' areas of the ground.
Are you planning on attending the game? What do you think of the arrangements? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here