14/6/2007

Police with drug tracker dogs will patrol Saturday's Escape Into the Park event in Swansea.

Everybody entering the music event at Singleton Park will be searched to stop drugs or alcohol being taken into the park.

Police are urging people to enjoy the day but warning visitors not to bring drugs and that anti social behaviour will not be tolerated.

Last year's police operation saw 52 people dealt with for possession of controlled drugs.

Inspector Bill John of the Swansea Police Planning department said:

"This is the seventh year this event has taken place in the park and we are mounting a major operation to ensure the safety of those attending, as well as to reassure members of the community living in the area of the park.

"We are attempting to create a safe environment for people attending the event and are warning event-goers not to try and bring any drugs with them.

"We want people to enjoy the spirit of the event and have a good day out.

"But those that behave in an anti social manner, whether inside the arena or in the area surrounding the park, will be dealt with.
We will be deploying extra staff both in and around the park to deal with any residents' complaints, whether they are about anti social behaviour or issues such as illegal parking."

More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the event.

The gates open at about 12.00 midday and the event is due to finish at 11pm.

Parking will be available at the Recreation Ground, in Oystermouth Road and at Bishop Gore School on Delabeche Road.

Inspector John said: "We are urging people not to park antisocially as where vehicles are causing an obstruction they will be towed away."

Oystermouth Road will be closed just after the event ends to allow people to leave the park safely so there is likely to be traffic congestion and delays.

Inspector John added:

"We have had a good working relationship with the promoters and the local authority in the planning stages for Escape and are striving to make this a pleasurable day out to remember for all concerned."