Police saddle up for Cheltenham race week (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Police saddle up for Cheltenham race week

3:20pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Ian Craig

WITH Cheltenham race week under starter’s orders, police are mounting up to help keep spectators and revellers safe.

Gloucestershire police and Cheltenham Borough Council have been working in partnership to promote safe drinking and good behaviour during the event, which runs from tomorrow until Friday.

Mounted police will once again be patrolling the town centre at night working alongside Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, South West Ambulance Service, street pastors as well as clubs, pubs and bars to promote safety.

The horses have been funded by race week promoters Diageo GB and Nightsafe in a drive to promote responsible drinking and a police hub – known locally as Bobby Bus – will be on hand throughout the week outside Marks and Spencers on High Street.

Officers at the mobile station will be handing out free maps of Cheltenham town centre and offering advice to residents and visitors.

Gloucestershire police Inspector Tim Waterhouse is responsible for policing in the town centre and said he hoped the week would pass safely.

“It is going to be bitterly cold this week so don’t forget to wrap up warm,” he said.

“We can’t improve the weather for you all sadly but we will be doing all we can to make sure that both those visiting the town enjoy all Cheltenham has to offer and that and those who live and work in the town are caused as little disruption as possible.”

Additional officers have also been deployed to Cheltenham throughout the week and extra portable toilets have been placed around the town centre.