[LoopyLee]

I came across this, this morning.

Apparently the police are trying to stop the 2009 Bulldog Bash (again) in the interests of 'public safety' for the residents of Warwickshire...

Last year the police presence at the event apparently cost in the region of £1.4 million. The police used number plate recognition technology and a stop and search on people attending and resulted in 26 out of about 20,000 people being arrested.

26 February 2009 09:05

Warwickshire Police will this week start discussions with local communities about this year's Bulldog Bash event.

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Holland will attend a meeting tonight, Thursday February 26 to which local residents and business owners have been invited.

At this public meeting he will receive feedback about last year's policing operation and provide an opportunity for discussions to start about Bulldog Bash 2009.

ACC Holland said: "We are now planning our response to Bulldog Bash 2009 and we are doing this in partnership with the local communities affected by the event.

"We are currently assessing all the information available to us to see if grounds exist to request a review of the licence for this event, which was granted by Stratford District Council last year despite our objections.

"We are taking professional advice on this. Any application for a review of the licence granted for Bulldog Bash would be based on the grounds of ensuring public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder."

"My preference would be that Bulldog Bash 2009 does not take place. But if it does go ahead there will be a professional and robust policing operation put in place to protect people from harm in Warwickshire."

"We want to engage with local people at this early stage to discuss views and opinions and to ensure everyone has the same vision in mind of protecting our communities together."

Notes to editors
ACC Bill Holland will be attending is the Shipston and Stour Community Forum which starts at 6pm at Quinton Village Hall, Lower Quinton.
This is a public meeting and is open to journalists and reporters to attend if they wish but there will be no opportunity for interviews with ACC Holland before or after the meeting.

Link to Warwickshire Police's Media Portal
Link To Coventry Telegraph's report

[fighter954rr]

you going this year loopy? (if its on?...)

[LoopyLee]

This was mentioned on the local news this morning

Apparently the Police are asking for the licence to be reviewed as they are concerned about violance between rival gangs.. I guess they will be wasting millions of the tax payers pounds again this year to police the event..

I've written a small (?!?) entry in my blog about this, which includes the estimate for the costs of policing this years event....... £1.9 MILLION!!!!!!!!!!!

Biker event licence review sought

Warwickshire Police has applied for a review of a licence for a biker festival which was attended by a man who was murdered on his way home. Hells Angel Gerry Tobin, 35, of Mottingham, south-east London, was returning from the Bulldog Bash in 2007 when he was shot on the M40. Seven members of The Outlaws biker gang were jailed for life for his murder.

The force said it has serious concerns about rising levels of violence between "criminal members of motorcycle gangs".

The Bulldog Bash is due to be held at Long Marston airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon from 6 to 10 August.

'Many locations'

A 10-year licence was granted by Stratford District Council a year ago despite Warwickshire Police's objections, the force said. Warwickshire Police said it has made it clear it would prefer the event does not take place following the shooting of Mr Tobin and "violence which has occurred since, both in the UK and abroad".

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Holland said: "The decision to seek a review of the licence is in no way connected with the law abiding majority of motorcyclists who attend the event. "Law abiding motorcyclists are welcome in Warwickshire and there are many locations in the county where bike enthusiasts meet on a regular basis."

Police said its objection to the Bulldog Bash was about criminality and "the need to protect the public from harm here in Warwickshire, across the UK and abroad". Mr Holland added: "We consider that the actions of a minority could jeopardise the safety of the public and this is why we are seeking a review."

Warwickshire Police said it had been working closely with local people and businesses "to try to minimise the impact of the significant policing operation we anticipate will be required" if the event goes ahead.

[Kelv]

I agree it all seems really heavy handed, but I can understand the concern. Some of the local 'colours' wearing bikers up this way could be described at the very least as "a bit tapped". It wouldn't take too many individuals like that to stuff up a damned good rally.

Its not an event that I goto often, but I do like the chance of being able to attend an event like that and still feel comfortable that the people I'm going to fall on when Ive drunk to much are just going to prop me in a corner rather than use it as an excuse to riot.

But I guess its total bollocks, you piss around down there and you will be dealt with police or no police. Tell em to save their money and let the event organisers sort out the trouble makers, hmmm.. Motorhead headlining.. might have to see if I can afford tickets this year

Ramble ramble mutter mutter

[Si :)]

This is one bike wknd i wish i had gone to,every year some thing always comes up

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Si :)

This is one bike wknd i wish i had gone to,every year some thing always comes up

I used to do the Kent Custom every year, right from when it first started and I used to love that.. It was like my summer holiday every year.. but for one reason or another I've never been to the Bulldog Bash

[vex918]

I used to go to it every year (back in my AWOL day's)...but missed it out for the last few years, i went back last year to show some support after all the pesh that was in the news. I have to say that the locals i spoke were as keen as ever about the show but felt the police were OTT, both in their presence and the pressure that they were applying to the council to withdraw the licence.

On a personal note i've never been stopped so many times in my life as i did in the 4 days i was there, i went for a couple of ride outs (try getting out of the site once your in, that really pissed the rozzers off). I was stopped 9 times, got searched 3 times, had my photo taken (not even my good side) and unfortunetly i was one of the criminal element that had a offensive weapon removed from my person, a 90 quid victorinox swiss army knife, with the threat of a criminal record........So the question is will i be back this year.... you better believe it last year rocked

[fighter954rr]

i aint been yet but if its on im going for sure

[Sideshow bob]

Originally Posted by vex918

On a personal note i've never been stopped so many times in my life as i did in the 4 days i was there, i went for a couple of ride outs (try getting out of the site once your in, that really pissed the rozzers off). I was stopped 9 times, got searched 3 times, had my photo taken (not even my good side) and unfortunetly i was one of the criminal element that had a offensive weapon removed from my person, a 90 quid victorinox swiss army knife, with the threat of a criminal record........So the question is will i be back this year.... you better believe it last year rocked

I aint been since '97ish?!.....

and as far as I've always known..... the Locals LOVE IT! good for business, no trouble*

*well..... very little compared to other events

[22john]

Didnt go last year , nothing to do with the extreme police overtime excursion more to do with my dogsitter bailing on me.
Hope to do better this year. wonder what time is best to arrive if your bike is a little on the modified side ?

[Sideshow bob]

Originally Posted by 22john

wonder what time is best to arrive if your bike is a little on the modified side ?

.... think we need piccys

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Sideshow bob

.... think we need piccys

I think you're turning into Twincam!!!

.. but have to agree.. piccys are definately needed