Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane
POLICE have issued a strong warning ahead of this weekend’s Creamfields festival at Daresbury: “Drugs will not be tolerated.”
The festival has been extended to four days this year and will start on Thursday.
As usual, there will be a significant police presence as officers aim to keep everyone safe and uphold the law. To assist, music fans will be subject to stringent security checks as they enter the site – which could include body searches and sniffer dogs.
Anyone refusing to be searched will be denied entry.
Inspector Stewart Sheer said: “Drug use will not be tolerated and we will take positive action where we need to. Those who have visited before will know that searches are a condition of entry and drugs dogs will be used at the entrances to the site.
“If you have brought any drugs or weapons, we will find them one way or another. However, there will again be surrender bins provided at the entrances for festival goers, and I would urge those who decide to take such things to place them in these bins.
“Anyone who doesn’t, who we then find with drugs or weapons in their possession, will be dealt with robustly.
“My advice would be save yourself the bother, and don’t bring them in the first place.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “I want members of our communities to be reassured that Cheshire’s officers will be doing all they can to prevent drugs from entering the Creamfields site. I know that some people see drug taking as a recreational activity or even harmless fun, but it is illegal and the consequences can be devastating – not just for the person taking them but also for their family and friends.
“The message is clear; festivalgoers should not even bring these dangerous substances with them, or if they have, use the surrender bins provided to dispose of them. Cheshire residents have told me that drugs are a key local issue for them and tackling the issue of drug misuse and supply is of the uppermost importance to me. I have urged the Chief Constable to ensure the excellent work the Constabulary has undertaken these past few years is continued.
“I hope that everyone who attends Creamfields this weekend enjoys themselves, but do so safely and within the law.”
Meanwhile, a dedicated team of officers will be policing the local communities surrounding the site area, led by Inspector Paul Carmichael and Inspector Adam Alexander.
This is on top of the “business as usual” staffing for the local policing areas of Warrington, Runcorn and Widnes.
Inspector Alexander said: “Local officers will be out and about with the aim of minimising disruption to those communities directly impacted by the festival. As with any large- scale event, some level of disruption is only to be expected, but we will be doing all we can to ensure residents feel as little of it as possible.
“We will take robust action against anyone committing crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour and we will work closely alongside other agencies to solve any issues regarding traffic, noise or litter.”
Ticket holders are being urged to be mindful of the fact that the site lies in a residential area and to be respectful towards neighbouring properties as they enter and leave the site.
Inspector Carmichael said: “The area around the site is an alcohol-free zone, so drinking alcohol in the street outside the event will not be tolerated. We will take action against anyone found to be breaking the rules, and we’ll confiscate your alcohol too.”
A Creamfields residents’ phone line will again be set up over the weekend of the festival, and any residents who have issues or concerns arising directly from the event (such as noise, litter, or traffic) should call 0333 321 3129. This phone line is being staffed by the organisers of the event throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
Local residents who specifically have policing issues or concerns arising directly from the event are being asked to call 101 and inform the operator that it is a Creamfields-related matter.
