This Is Guernsey

By Paul Baker

THE cost of policing this year’s Liberation Day celebrations fell ’significantly’, according to a senior officer. Superintendent Ian Morellec said that a ban on seafront drinking in Town and scrapping the traditional funfair had contributed to a ‘reasonably trouble-free’ event.

And he predicted the trend will continue if future Liberation Days were as successful as this year’s.

He explained: ‘As a police force, we feel the whole day went very well.

‘There was criticism before the event about the ban on drinking alcohol outside along the waterfront, but this was mainly from a commercial point of view rather than from the public.

‘I worked on Liberation Day and the feedback from the public I and other officers received was very positive.

‘The drinking ban and not having the funfair there were obviously a big help.

‘In previous years we have had to police the fair for a whole week and that resulted in a large overtime bill.

‘But this year’s changes meant we were able to police Liberation Day at a reasonable cost to taxpayers, which can only be a good thing.

‘I don’t have exact figures, but I know the costs were significantly down on the year before and if the same measures remain in place, we will undoubtedly see the trend continue.’

Supt Morellec said there had been a ‘real family feel’ to Liberation Day - something the police had been determined to create.

‘A lot of time and effort was put into ensuring Liberation Day celebrations could be enjoyed by all the family,’ he explained.

‘We didn’t want people having to confront alcohol-related problems and incidents, particularly along the waterfront, and I think we achieved our aim.’

He added: ‘When you consider the size of the event and the amount of people it attracts, the arrest rate was very reasonable so that bodes very well for the future.’

And police today thanked Guernsey’s publicans for the part they played in helping make the day a success.

‘All the licensees did a great job and we thank them for their help and cooperation,’ added Supt Morellec.

‘Like the police and other agencies, they put a lot of work into getting it right on the day and that time and effort have proved very productive.’

Article posted on 19th May, 2007 - 12.00am